Augusta National is a course that can overwhelm even seasoned pros, but Masters rookie Kristoffer Reitan is handling the pressure like a veteran. The 28-year-old Norwegian looked completely at home amidst the iconic azaleas and dogwoods, firing a superb 4-under 68 on Friday to surge into a tie for seventh.

His impressive second round, which featured a stunning run of four consecutive birdies on the back nine, has positioned him just two shots out of second place after 36 holes. While he trails the runaway leader, defending champion Rory McIlroy, by eight shots, Reitan has firmly planted himself in contention on golf's biggest stage.

This breakthrough performance comes with incredible momentum. Just five days prior, Reitan secured his best-ever PGA Tour finish—a tie for 10th at the Texas Open. "Exceeded my expectations," a pleased Reitan admitted after his round at Augusta.

Reitan's journey to the Masters is a story of dedication and a late-career surge. Hailing from Norway, a nation synonymous with winter sports, he found his passion on the golf courses of Spain during family trips, ultimately choosing it over soccer. After years of grinding on international tours, his persistence paid off in 2025 with two significant wins, including the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Those victories catapulted him into the world's top 50 and earned him his coveted Masters invitation.

Showing smart preparation, Reitan took advice from fellow Norwegian star Viktor Hovland and visited Augusta National for practice rounds before the tournament to calm his nerves. The strategy worked perfectly. He kickstarted his Friday charge with a birdie on the notoriously tricky par-3 12th hole and never looked back, reeling off three more birdies in a row to announce his arrival on one of golf's most hallowed grounds.