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Magical 90 minutes tightens McIlroy's grip on Masters

Magical 90 minutes tightens McIlroy's grip on Masters

Rory McIlroy opens up a six-shot lead at the Masters - a record after 36 holes - as he sharpens his focus on securing a rare back-to-back win.

April 11, 2026 at 12:11 AM Original source
6 agencies covered this story

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Notable Quotes

"He told me 'no double bogeys'."

— Rory McIlroy , Athlete

"I've always loved the tournament and loved this golf course, even when I felt it didn't love me back."

— Rory McIlroy , Athlete

"I haven't panicked when I've hit it off line and into trees, I've layed up and relied on wedges and those scoring clubs."

— Rory McIlroy , Athlete

"This course enables you to get on runs, although I certainly didn't imagine birdieing six of the last seven."

— Rory McIlroy , Athlete

"I knew I had some chances coming in when I was standing on the 12th tee, but I didn’t think I’d birdie six of the last seven..."

— Rory McIlroy , Athlete

"I have always wanted to put the Green Jacket on for a second time."

— Patrick Reed , Athlete

"I’m happy. Obviously there is a long way to go but having a late tee time on Saturday afternoon is always a nice place to be in."

— Shane Lowry , Athlete

"I think my results have got better the last few years, which is nice."

— Tyrrell Hatton , Athlete

"When I was standing on the 12th tee, I didn’t imagine that I would be six ahead going into the weekend."

— Rory McIlroy , Athlete

"These greens are going to be concrete."

— Wyndham Clark , Athlete

"Until you do, you always have that little voice of doubt in the back of your mind."

— Patrick Reed , Athlete

"Not really, if I’m honest. I don’t really need to try any harder, know what I mean? Trying harder ain’t going to help me."

— Justin Rose , Athlete

"Standing on the 12th tee, I didn’t imagine being six shots ahead."

— Rory McIlroy , Athlete

"I know what can happen around here, good and bad."

— Rory McIlroy , Athlete

"That's a bonus."

— Rory McIlroy , Athlete

Key People

B
Brooks KoepkaAthlete

Brooks Koepka is a professional golfer from the United States.

B
Bryson DeChambeauAthlete

Bryson DeChambeau is an American professional golfer known for his unique approach to the game.

B
Bubba WatsonAthlete

Bubba Watson is a two-time Masters winner who missed the cut.

F
Fred CouplesAthlete

Fred Couples is a 66-year-old golfer who also missed the cut in the Masters.

J
Jack NicklausAthlete

Jack Nicklaus is a legendary professional golfer, known for his significant achievements in the sport.

J
Jon RahmAthlete

Jon Rahm is a Spanish professional golfer and captain of the Legion XIII team.

J
Justin RoseAthlete

Justin Rose is a professional golfer from England.

L
Ludvig ÅbergAthlete

Ludvig Åberg is a rising star among professional golfers on the PGA Tour.

M
Mason HowellAthlete

Mason Howell is an 18-year-old amateur golfer impressed by McIlroy’s performance.

M
Matt FitzpatrickAthlete

Matt Fitzpatrick is a professional golfer from England.

P
Patrick ReedAthlete

An American professional golfer and winner of the 2018 Masters.

R
Rory McIlroyAthlete

Rory McIlroy is a professional golfer and Masters champion from Northern Ireland.

S
Sam BurnsAthlete

Sam Burns is a professional golfer from the United States.

S
Scottie SchefflerAthlete

Scottie Scheffler is a professional golfer and world number one from the United States.

S
Shane LowryAthlete

Shane Lowry is an Irish golfer and former Open champion.

T
Tiger WoodsAthlete

Tiger Woods is a professional golfer and one of the most famous athletes in sports history.

T
Tommy FleetwoodAthlete

Tommy Fleetwood is a professional golfer from England.

T
Tyrrell HattonAthlete

Tyrrell Hatton is an English professional golfer known for his performance on the LIV Golf Tour.

W
Wyndham ClarkAthlete

Wyndham Clark is a professional golfer from the United States.

X
Xander SchauffeleAthlete

Xander Schauffele is an American professional golfer who has a strong record in major tournaments.

All Coverage

Magical 90 minutes tightens McIlroy's grip on Masters
BBC Newsvia rss 4 quotes 1 person

Rory McIlroy opens up a six-shot lead at the Masters - a record after 36 holes - as he sharpens his focus on securing a rare back-to-back win.

100%
Rory McIlroy pulls away with birdie binge and sets Masters record with 6-shot lead
Associated Pressvia ai 1 quote 1 person

Rory McIlroy delivered a dynamic finish to the Masters on Friday, securing a six-shot lead with a 7-under 65, setting a Masters record through 36 holes.

80%
Rory McIlroy romps into six-shot Masters lead after stunning second-round flourish
The Guardianvia ai 3 quotes 3 persons

Rory McIlroy surged into a commanding lead at the 2026 Masters, setting a record with a six-shot advantage after a spectacular 7-under 65 in the second round.

80%
Rory McIlroy holds largest Masters lead ever through 36 holes after 9-birdie round
Los Angeles Timesvia ai 4 quotes 4 persons

Rory McIlroy set a Masters record with a six-shot lead after a 7-under 65 in the second round, aiming for back-to-back victories at Augusta National.

80%
Rory McIlroy sets Masters record with 6-shot lead at halfway mark
ABC Newsvia ai 3 quotes 1 person

Rory McIlroy delivered a dynamic finish to the Masters on Friday, securing a six-shot lead with a 7-under 65, setting a Masters record through 36 holes.

80%
2026 Masters leaderboard: Rory McIlroy grabs historic 6-shot advantage after 36 holes
CBS Sportsvia ai

Rory McIlroy holds a six-shot lead at the 2026 Masters after a 7-under 65 in the second round, aiming for back-to-back victories at Augusta National.

80%