As was her prerogative, the old lady gave with one hand; and took away with the other. No sentiment. The result was a gridlocked leaderboard as, on a day when some benefited and others incurred the wrath of the course, the 76th US Masters produced an eclectic mix of potential champions.

So it was that the likes of Freddie Couples, all 52 years of age, and Rory McIlroy, some 30 years his junior, were among those to find their paths crossing. Congested as this first Major of the season was at the midway point, it was all the more enthralling for the diversity of those clamouring to get their hands on the green jacket.

Four-time winner Tiger Woods is not among them, having dropped eight behind after surviving the cut with only two shots to spare. During his round of 75, he was clearly at odds with his swing and ended up kicking his club away in disgust after hitting into the bunker to the right of the green on the par three 16th.

Commentating on American television Nick Faldo said: "I think we can officially say that Tiger has lost his game - and his mind right now. He has not got a clue how to get the clubface onto the ball."

Couples, the Masters champion in 1992, who mainly plays on the Champions Tour these days, belied his years to shoot a second round 67 that gave him a share of the midway lead on 139, five-under, with fellow American Jason Dufner. McIlroy shot a second round 69 to add to his opening 71, to get into the bunch just a shot behind the pacesetters.

“It was a very, very magical day . . . I’m going to be right there with everybody for the weekend. If I can come out and play my game the best I can, I have a chance,” opined Couples.

Indeed, it was choc-a-bloc and wide open for those brave enough to chase the dream.

McIlroy’s company on the 140 mark included 2010 British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen from South Africa, England’s Lee Westwood, American Bubba Watson and Spain’s Sergio Garcia.

“You look at the names on the leaderboard and there isn’t one style of golf,” observed McIlroy. “There’s a lot of different ways to get the ball around . . . and I think that’s Augusta in a nutshell. Some guys do it with their short game, some guys do it with their long game.”

Westwood worked diligently for much of his round, but the lapse – when it came – was critical. A three-putt on the 18th green led to a triple-bogey that dropped him out of the outright lead into the chasing pack. “I controlled what I could control ... I’m in a good position going into the weekend and I’m not going to be too far off the lead. That’s a position you want to be in,” said Westwood.

In McIlroy’s case, there was a bit of both. On a day which started with grey clouds and a discernible chill in the air, but which evolved to show blue skies and a summer’s heat, the Masters heated up on its own steam and players produced shot-making that led to one roar after another reverberating around the course.

Three Irishmen survived the midway cut. McIlroy, who seems to contend in each and every tournament he plays these days, was among those on the shoulders of the leaders. Three-time Major champion Pádraig Harrington battled to a 73 for 144 which left him well-positioned for a weekend charge just five adrift, and 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell shot a 72 for 147, three over, that gave him two rounds to make up ground.

Sadly, Open champion Darren Clarke, troubled by a groin strain, slumped to a second round 81 that left him on 154 and well outside the cut mark.

McIlroy, seeking redemption for his meltdown in last year’s final round, has moved ominously into position.

Of his Horizon Sports-stablemate’s move, McDowell said: “Rory’s probably the polar opposite of me. If I dislike this golf course, he absolutely loves it. It’s tailor-made for the way Rory hits it.”

The chase over the weekend promises to be an intriguing one, with three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson also reigniting his challenge. Lefty shot a second round 68 for 142, just three off the lead.

“I feel like Saturday is the day you can really make a move. Sunday you kind of cherish the back nine, and it’s exciting. But I feel like Saturday is the day you have to play well to get into position. It will be a critical day to get into a spot where you don’t have to make up too much ground.”

McIlroy’s round – which consisted of five birdies and two bogeys – saw him move into a threatening place. But he warned: “I wouldn’t say I’m in position to win yet, but it’s good. I feel like I’ve played solid golf the last two days . . . . I’m in a nice position.”

Not as well positioned but licking his lips at the prospect of a weekend charge was Harrington, after a solid round where his putter again behaved.

“It’s okay, five shots behind. I need to play well but certainly it’s within reach … I just need to trust a little bit more and we can make up those five shots,” said Harrington, adding: “I shot 61 on a tough course a few weeks ago (in the Transitions), so I must have it in me. My game is good. Whoever is going to win this tournament is going to have to play well on the weekend. Let’s hope it’s me.”