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McIlroy sets Masters record with dominant second round
Rory McIlroy carved out a six-shot lead at the Masters after a breathtaking finish in Friday's second round, posting a record 36-hole total at Augusta National.
Birdie barrage seals historic advantage
The Northern Irishman, defending champion, birdied six of his final seven holes to close at 12 under par. His closing surge included a 30-yard chip-in on the 17th, capping one of the most electrifying stretches of his career.
McIlroy's lead is the largest after 36 holes in Masters history. Americans Sam Burns and Patrick Reed sit six strokes back at six under.
Nicklaus's advice pays off
McIlroy credited a simple tip from Jack Nicklaus-avoid double bogeys-as the key to his success. Last year, he became the first player to win the Green Jacket despite recording four double bogeys during the tournament.
"Now when I miss fairways it's fine, when I miss greens it's fine. I feel like I'm playing with the house's money."
Rory McIlroy
Confidence and composure define McIlroy's round
Despite ranking 90th in driving accuracy among the 91-player field, McIlroy's short game and resilience carried him. After a bogey on the 10th dropped him to six under, he rallied with a flawless back nine.
"This course enables you to get on runs," McIlroy told Sky Sports. "I certainly didn't imagine birdieing six of the last seven."
Chasing pack includes major winners and Ryder Cup stars
England's Justin Rose, a three-time Masters runner-up, sits seven strokes back after a three-under 69. Ireland's Shane Lowry and England's Tommy Fleetwood are tied at five under, while fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton climbed to four under with a six-under 66.
Hatton, known for his fiery temperament, admitted patience isn't his strength at Augusta. "I definitely don't stay calmer or more patient this week," he said. "If anything, I'm probably more on edge."
Big names falter as cut looms
Bryson DeChambeau's hopes ended when he triple-bogeyed the 18th to miss the cut at six over. Defending U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm narrowly avoided the same fate, salvaging a birdie on the 16th to finish at four over.
McIlroy, the first reigning Masters champion to open with two sub-70 rounds since 1992, will look to extend his lead in Saturday's third round.
