President Donald Trump has revealed he is backing multiple players at this weekend's Masters tournament at Augusta National, describing them all as "friends of mine".
The President, speaking aboard Air Force One on Friday, expressed his support for several top contenders including Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Rose.
Trump, an avid golfer himself, declined to pick a single favourite from the star-studded field currently battling for the coveted Green Jacket.
The tournament has reached a pivotal stage with a tightly packed leaderboard featuring several major champions within striking distance of the lead.
Donald Trump backed a number of American golfers at The Masters but Rory McIlroy did not get a mention
Reuters
"They're all friends of mine. They have some great ones. Scottie Scheffler's great. Bryson [DeChambeau] is great. Justin Rose, they're all friends of mine," Trump said during his conversation with reporters.
The President went on to share his enthusiasm for the tournament's quality.
"It's going to be a very good Masters. Looks like it's going to be a very good Masters. Some fantastic golfers at the top," he added.
Trump has not indicated whether he plans to attend the tournament in person.
His previous sporting appearances, such as at the Super Bowl, were typically announced in advance.
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Trump's assessment of the leaderboard appears accurate, with Justin Rose currently leading at 8-under-par.
Bryson DeChambeau sits just one stroke behind in second place.
Rory McIlroy and Corey Conners are tied for third at 6-under-par.
A quartet of golfers including world number one Scottie Scheffler, Tyrrell Hatton, Matt McCarthy and Shane Lowry follow closely at 5-under-par.
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Bryson DeChambeau will be looking to push on this Saturday
Reuters
These eight players at the top of the leaderboard have combined for 10 major championships between them.
Other notable names within striking distance include Viktor Hovland and Jason Day at 4-under, whilst Hideki Matsuyama and Collin Morikawa sit at 3-under.
A Scheffler victory would make him the first back-to-back champion at the Masters since Tiger Woods accomplished the feat in 2001 and 2002.
Woods is not participating in this year's tournament due to injury.
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Rory McIlroy has had a rollercoaster of a weekend so far at The Masters
Reuters
The cut line was remarkably tight, with players just 10 strokes behind the leader still making it through to the weekend.
In total, 54 players made the cut on Friday.
McIlroy is making his 11th attempt to complete the career grand slam, still seeking the elusive green jacket to complete his collection of major championships.
The tournament appears set for a dramatic conclusion with such a tightly contested leaderboard.
