WHO'S HOT

Justin Rose

Rose's two-year absence from the Masters didn't hurt him Thursday. He shot 3-under 69 to share the lead.

The Englishman was a model of consistency. His card contained three birdies - at Nos. 3, 5 and 14 - against no bogeys.

The last time Rose played in the Masters, he held the 36-hole lead in 2004. He shot 81-71 on the weekend to finish tied for 22nd.

"Obviously, that's exciting to go bogey-free on any course on any day," Rose said.

WHO'S NOT

Ernie Els

Els continued his streak of mediocre play at Augusta National Golf Club. He hasn't contended the past two years after being the runner-up in 2004.

The South African's day started off on a bad note with a double bogey at the first hole. It didn't get better as he made bogeys on Nos. 2, 4, 8 and 9 to finish at 6-over 42 on the front. He did shoot even par on the second nine.

"I have to try and get something going and hopefully by Sunday get it back to level par or something," Els said.