When Rory McIlroy chatted to the nice Jack Nicklaus for recommendation about the easiest way to defend his Masters title, he was given a succinct piece of recommendation.
“He advised me ‘no double bogeys’,” laughed McIlroy.
An apparent tip possibly, however it’s simpler mentioned than completed at Augusta Nationwide. Simply ask the 36-year-old from Northern Eire, who has opened up a file six-shot lead on the midway stage because of a surprising end to Friday’s second spherical.
On his method to {golfing} utopia final yr, McIlroy carded 4 double bogeys over the week – a tally which no person had ever recorded and nonetheless managed to don the Inexperienced Jacket.
Up to now, with McIlroy holding a commanding benefit in his pursuit of a uncommon back-to-back Masters win, there have not been any.
As an alternative of pricey doubles threatening to derail his progress, there was a flurry of birdies late in a sensational second spherical which helped McIlroy speed up away from the chasing pack.
He transformed six within the ultimate seven holes of his second spherical – together with an excellent chip in from 30 yards on the seventeenth – to complete 12-under par following a spell which ranks among the many best of his profession.
The run enabled the five-time main champion to set a file 36-hole lead going into the weekend, with American pair Sam Burns and Patrick Reed closest behind on six below.
“I’ve all the time liked the event and liked this golf course, even once I felt it did not love me again,” mentioned McIlroy, who’s bidding to observe Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as solely the fourth participant to win successive titles.
“Now once I miss fairways it is positive, once I miss greens it is positive. I really feel like I am enjoying with the home’s cash.”
