Rory McIlroy produced a scintillating finish to his second round at Augusta National, carding a seven-under-par 65 to open up a commanding six-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Masters. The defending champion, who sits on 12 under par, holds a historic advantage over the chasing pack, with Sam Burns and Patrick Reed his nearest challengers on six under.
McIlroy's round was highlighted by a remarkable burst of six birdies in his last seven holes, a run that followed earlier bogeys at the fifth and tenth. He also chipped in for birdie at the 17th after finding trouble off the tee, a moment that drew huge roars from the Augusta galleries. The Northern Irishman is on course to become the first player in Masters history to lead by six shots after 36 holes.
Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy credited his wedge play and short game for his scoring. "I was really good with the wedges today," he said. "I haven't panicked when I've hit it offline and into trees. I've relied on those wedges and scoring clubs." He added that his previous victory at Augusta last year had given him a sense of freedom. "I feel like I'm playing with the house's money, which is a nice feeling to have."
The six-shot cushion is the largest at the midpoint of the tournament since records began, and McIlroy is 11 clear of world number one Scottie Scheffler. With a third round to come on Saturday, the 34-year-old remains focused on maintaining his aggressive approach. "I just need to keep thinking well and making good decisions," he said. "Hopefully do that for the weekend and everything works out."
