When Rory McIlroy chatted to the nice Jack Nicklaus about the easiest way to defend his Masters title, he acquired a succinct piece of recommendation.
“He informed me ‘no double bogeys’,” laughed McIlroy.
An apparent tip perhaps, however it’s simpler stated than performed 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 due to a surprising end to Friday’s second spherical.
On his solution to golfing utopia final 12 months, McIlroy carded 4 double bogeys over the week – a tally which no person had ever recorded and nonetheless managed to don the Inexperienced Jacket.
Thus far, with McIlroy holding a commanding benefit in his pursuit of a uncommon back-to-back Masters win, he has carded none.
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 remaining seven holes of his second spherical – together with an excellent chip in from 30 yards on the seventeenth – to complete 12 below par following a spell which ranks among the many most interesting of his profession.
The run enabled the five-time main champion to set a file lead after 36 holes, 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 after I felt it did not love me again,” stated McIlroy, who’s bidding to change into solely the fourth participant to win successive titles, following Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.
“Now after I miss fairways it is superb, after I miss greens it is superb. I really feel like I am taking part in with the home’s cash.”
