Astounding McIlroy Birdies Six of Last Seven to Set Masters Record Lead
Defending champion Rory McIlroy has declared his intention to keep his "foot on the gas" after establishing a record six-shot lead halfway through the Masters with an impressive second-round 65.
Sharing the overnight lead with Sam Burns, McIlroy, from Northern Ireland, began his round with a hat-trick of birdies starting at the second hole, quickly opening a three-shot advantage. However, bogeys at the fifth and tenth holes allowed the chasing pack to regain some hope.
Despite this, the world number two pulled away decisively down Augusta National's renowned closing stretch. He birdied six of his last seven holes, including a remarkable chip-in on the 17th, finishing the round at 12 under par.
His seven-under-par round created a substantial lead over Americans Burns and Patrick Reed, with Ryder Cup teammates Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, and Shane Lowry trailing by one shot further back.
"I've built up a nice cushion at this point. I guess my mindset is just trying to keep playing well and keeping my foot on the gas," said the 36-year-old, who will tee off alongside Burns in the final pairing at 19:50 BST on Saturday.
"There are so many different ways to skin a cat. I've shot 12 under par for the first two rounds here. I've played well, I've hit good shots, but it hasn't all been amazing.
"I've relied on my short game when I've needed it, and I've certainly hit enough good wedges into those par fives to build the score that I have."
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No Plans to Merely 'Protect Lead'
McIlroy, aiming to become only the fourth player after Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods to win consecutive Masters titles, has previously held a six-shot lead at this stage in a major tournament.
He went on to win the 2011 US Open by eight shots, claiming the first of his five major titles, and also dominated the field with an eight-shot victory at the 2012 US PGA Championship.
He intends to maintain an aggressive approach around Augusta National this weekend as he seeks to match the six-major tally of Faldo, Phil Mickelson, and Lee Trevino.
"Don't protect it. Go out and play freely, keep swinging," he said when asked what advice his 2011 self would give him before Saturday.
McIlroy led the 2011 Masters by four shots entering the final round but shot an eight-over-par 80, dropping down the leaderboard.
"A big part of the lesson from the 2011 Masters to the 2011 US Open was don't get protective," he added. "Go out there and keep playing, keep trying to make birdies, stay as trusting and as committed as possible."
McIlroy also mentioned plans to watch tennis and spend time with his daughter Poppy to help take his mind off the third round.
"That distraction is usually a good thing for me, especially with a late tee time and the lead," he explained.
"There are two really good semi-finals at Monte Carlo in the tennis. So I'll watch those.
"We've been watching the tennis early in the mornings. And then hopefully spend some time with Poppy. I think we're about halfway through Zootopia 2."
McIlroy spoke to NI's Stephen Watson after breaking the record.
With no rain forecast for the weekend, Augusta's famously undulating greens are expected to become increasingly challenging as the tournament progresses.
McIlroy, who missed six fairways and five greens on Friday, is fully aware of the difficulty ahead, referencing his past struggles at the Masters.
"There's still a lot of work to do," he stressed to BBC NI.
"I've put myself in the best position possible going into the weekend but I know more than probably anyone else what this golf course can do to you.
"I need to keep my wits about me and play the weekend like I played the past two days."
