McIlroy takes control at Augusta National
Rory McIlroy recording his 9th birdie of the day at the last – image Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy might have established a likely winning break on the field after today’s second round of the 2026 Masters, but there remains a lot of interest in who might at least throw some sort of challenge to him over the final 36 holes and bid for a place amongst the leading placegetters.
McIlroy’s powerful finish on day two, which saw six birdies in his last seven holes, leaves him a massive six shots clear of the joint second-placed golfers, Brad Burns and Patrick Reed, and seven ahead of the 4th placed Justin Rose, Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood.
Just when it appeared that McIlroy might give the rest of the field some chance by driving it into the trees at the 17th, he hit a low running second right of the green and holed it from 40 metres for birdie and, for good measure, hit his approach to seven feet at the last to record his 9th birdie of the day and a round of 65.
“Look, I’ve always felt like this golf course can let you get on runs if you allow it,” said McIlroy. “I talked last year about how I really won the tournament in a 14-hole stretch, the second nine on Friday and the first five holes on Saturday.
“I knew I had some chances coming in when I was standing on the 12th tee, but I didn’t think I’d birdie 6 of the last 7. It just shows what you can do around here. Even if you might hit it in the trees on 13, on 15, and on 17 — 17 was obviously a bonus with the chip-in. But my wedge play today was really good. My short game the first two days has been amazing.
“I’ve spent a lot of time up here over the past three weeks. Even though I haven’t played tournament golf, I feel like being up here a lot and playing, I’ve prepared as well for this Masters as any other that I’ve played.
“I think all that work around the greens over the last three weeks has certainly paid off over the last two days.”
When asked what the Rory McIlroy who won the 2011 US Open by eight shots would tell this one, he responded, “Don’t protect it. Go out and play freely, keep swinging. That was a big part of the lesson from the 2011 Masters (where he lost a big lead) to the 2011 U.S. Open was don’t get protective. Go out there and keep playing, keep trying to make birdies, stay as trusting and as committed as possible.”
Outside of those inside the top six players, there is another shot back to a further six golfers, eight shots from McIlroy, so there is plenty of interest to see just how the many chasers might progress or otherwise as the tournament heads into the pointy end.
Jason Day – saves par from the bunker at the 16th today – image Masters Tournament
Amongst those at 4 under and eight from the lead is Australasia’s best this week, Jason Day, who, after getting within two of the lead through nine holes, bogeyed the 11th after indecision with a shot from just off the green and then was unable to capitalise on the two par fives on the way home.
He found the trees at the last and missed a six-footer down the hill for par despite hitting what appeared to be the perfect putt, but he has a chance with a good round on Saturday to put himself in a position to challenge on Sunday for a ‘podium’ finish.
“Yeah, I think if I can just keep myself within arm’s length of the lead, just never know what happens out here at Augusta, especially on the weekend,” said Day. “But more so on Sunday. Things can happen and turn pretty quick on a dime, just with how scorable some of the holes can be, and, obviously, with the dramatic finish we have here typically.
“I’m close to the lead, but not many people are obviously talking about me, which is good. I’m just going to go under the radar and do my thing. I felt like it’s been a pretty good formula so far over the last few days, what I’ve done.
“I feel confident in my ability to be able to shoot a good score. I’ve been driving it nice. Been putting myself in the correct positions when I do miss it. So, like the experience of being here for the last 15 years is definitely helpful.
“The weekend at Augusta is a different beast, obviously. Getting through the cut line and playing good is one thing. Then, once you get to the weekend, things open up and scoring gets really tight. Unless someone runs away with it, typically, scoring gets tight.
Adam Scott is the next best of the Australasians after a round of 74 left him at 2 over par and tied for 39th.
Ryan Fox staged a strong comeback to miss the cut by one, Cam Smith by three and Min Woo Lee by seven.
