US Masters 2017: Sergio Garcia, Rickie Fowler book epic weekend

Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia are just two of a glut of superstars who have set the stage for an epic final two rounds at the Masters.

World No.8 Fowler and No.11 Garcia surged up the leaderboard in a thrilling second round at Augusta National on Friday.

At four-under-par for the tournament, Fowler (67) and Garcia (69), Belgian gun Thomas Pieters (68) and American Charley Hoffman (75) will take a two-shot lead in Saturday's third round over American William McGirt (73).

Rickie Fowler has enjoyed a strong showing over the first two rounds. (AAP)

Olympic gold medallist Justin Rose shares sixth with young Spanish star Jon Rahm (70), Ryan Moore (69) and Fred Couples (70) at one-under.

Spanish stalwart Garcia has four runner-ups among 22 top-10s in his major championship career, without winning a big one.

The 37-year-old is extra motivated to win the green jacket as Sunday's final round would have been the legendary Spanish golfer Seve Ballesteros' 60th birthday.

Swashbuckling, five-time major winner Ballesteros died aged 57 in 2011.

"(Winning on Ballesteros' birthday) would be the best thing that could happen to me, and I'm going to do my best to make sure I'm here to tell you how it feels," said Garcia.

Fowler also has an impressive record in golf's big tournaments without lifting a trophy. He has had two runner-up finishes in six top-10s from 28 majors he's contested.

The American says closing out a four-shot lead to win the US PGA Tour's Honda Classic in February has him in good stead for a Masters charge.

"Being in contention and getting the job done at Honda just recently and playing well in these last few events has taught me to stick to my game plan," said Fowler.

"I'm hoping to continue the good play. So he's going to have to play nice tomorrow and we'll get that Sunday pairing."

In start contrast to the flashy 28-year-old Fowler is 57-year-old Couples, the 1992 green jacket winner who has been a perennial challenger at the Masters since becoming eligible for the Champions Tour.

Couples led after the opening round in 2010. He was on top at the midway point in 2012. He was second heading to the weekend in 2013.

"I really know the course very well," Couples said. "I feel like my age is still OK, because I can drive it far enough."

Also among the big second-round movers were 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott, the Australian charging up the leaderboard with a solid ball-striking display.

The 36-year-old Queenslander fired a superb 69 to claw his way back to even par to share 10th place with former Masters champions Jordan Spieth (69) and Phil Mickelson (73).

A shot back at one over lurks world No.2 Rory McIlroy, who signed for rounds of 72 and 73.