Rory McIlroy took firm control of the Masters with a stunning second-round 65 to open up a record six-shot lead at halfway.
The Northern Irishman surged to 12-under 132, pulling clear of the field with a blistering finish that featured six birdies in his last seven holes — the largest 36-hole lead in Masters history.
Patrick Reed and Sam Burns are tied second at 6-under, both six shots back. Reed closed with a 69, while Burns recovered late with birdies on his final two holes in a 71.
McIlroy’s round stood out not just for the scoring, but for his control under pressure. Even after errant drives, he repeatedly recovered with sharp wedge play and a reliable short game to separate himself from a crowded leaderboard.
Akshay Bhatia, meanwhile, endured a dramatic exit. After opening with 73, the Indian-American was well in contention before his round unravelled on the back nine. Three double bogeys in a damaging stretch, including one on the final hole, saw him miss the cut by two shots.
Aaron Rai did enough to make the weekend despite a shaky patch of three straight bogeys. He steadied with seven consecutive pars to card 74 and sit at 1-over (T-32).
A group at 5-under — including Justin Rose, Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood — remain within reach but face a steep climb. Fleetwood’s 68 featured two eagles, while Rose battled to a 69.
Bryson DeChambeau was another notable casualty, his week ending after a triple bogey on the 18th.
With two rounds to play, McIlroy holds a commanding advantage — and a chance to join the select group of players to defend the Masters title.
Photo – DPWT/Getty Images
Story – V Krishnaswamy
