The Holywood man takes a six shot lead into the weekend after a stunning display and his good friend Shane Lowry is in the chasing pack
Rory McIlroy is determined to hold onto that green jacket and put on a sensational display on day two of The Masters.
The defending champion shot a sparkling 65 to take a staggering six shot lead at the halfway stage. – the largest ever after 36 holes at Augusta.
McIlroy birdied six of the last seven holes to tame Augusta and take control of the tournament at this early stage.
It was the Grand Slam champion at his very best in the final stages of that second round – the highlight a sublime chip in from the right side of the 17th green.
The world number two takes a commanding lead over American stars Sam Burns and Patrick Reed who are on six under.
McIlroy won the tournament 12 months ago with a score of 11 under after four rounds.
When asked about the secret to his magical second round, he replied: “I don’t know, I was really good with my wedges today. I haven’t panicked when I have hit it off line.
“This course enables you to get on runs. When you’re feeling it around here you can get moemntum, the crowd gets on your side and you can keep it rolling. This afternoon was one of those afternoons.
“I’ve always loved this tournament, loved this golf course, even when I felt it didn’t love me back. When I miss fairways it’s fine, miss greens it’s fine. I sort of feel like I’m playing with the house’s money.”
Shane Lowry joins his good friend McIlroy in the top four after a superb bogey-free round of 69 on day two.
“I plotted my way around nicely. I got a couple of breaks. I hit a bad tee shot at the second and got away with it. Was great to finish with a birdie on the last,” said Lowry afterwards at Augusta.
“Any day you go around here bogey-free is a good day.”
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