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.
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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
Brooks Koepka is a professional golfer from the United States.
Bryson DeChambeau is an American professional golfer known for his unique approach to the game.
Bubba Watson is a two-time Masters winner who missed the cut.
Fred Couples is a 66-year-old golfer who also missed the cut in the Masters.
Jack Nicklaus is a legendary professional golfer, known for his significant achievements in the sport.
Jon Rahm is a Spanish professional golfer and captain of the Legion XIII team.
Justin Rose is a professional golfer from England.
Ludvig Åberg is a rising star among professional golfers on the PGA Tour.
Mason Howell is an 18-year-old amateur golfer impressed by McIlroy’s performance.
Matt Fitzpatrick is a professional golfer from England.
An American professional golfer and winner of the 2018 Masters.
Rory McIlroy is a professional golfer and Masters champion from Northern Ireland.
Sam Burns is a professional golfer from the United States.
Scottie Scheffler is a professional golfer and world number one from the United States.
Shane Lowry is an Irish golfer and former Open champion.
Tiger Woods is a professional golfer and one of the most famous athletes in sports history.
Tommy Fleetwood is a professional golfer from England.
Tyrrell Hatton is an English professional golfer known for his performance on the LIV Golf Tour.
Wyndham Clark is a professional golfer from the United States.
Xander Schauffele is an American professional golfer who has a strong record in major tournaments.
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All Coverage
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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