Extra time at Augusta helps McIlroy make Masters magic
Defending champion Rory McIlroy tips his cap to spectators at the 18th hole after seizing the largest 36-hole lead in Masters history of six strokes (Andrew Redington) Rory McIlroy spent nine days over his three-week PGA Tour break making visits to Augusta National, practice that has helped him seize the greatest 36-hole lead in Masters history. The defending champion birdied six of the last seven holes in Friday's second round to grab a Masters record six-stroke edge after 36 holes. And the secret, it turns out, was coming to Augusta National to use the champions' locker room and enjoy the famed course.
"I think just spending so much time up here has been a big part of it," McIlroy said. "I spent a lot of time up here the last three weeks. "Felt like I was part of the furniture at some point, but I think all those rounds I played, and chipping and putting, it has definitely paid off.
"My short game the first two days has been amazing. " With birdies on nine of 18 holes against two bogeys, McIlroy fired a seven-under par 67 to stand on 12-under 132 midway into the year's first major, Americans Sam Burns and Patrick Reed six adrift in second. "I've built up a nice cushion," McIlroy said.
"I guess my mindset is just trying to keep playing well and keeping my foot on the gas. " McIlroy's lead ties the third-largest 36-hole edge in major golf history, three off Henry Cotton's 1934 British Open record and one back of Brooks Koepka at the 2019 PGA Championship. "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 I've played.
"All that work around the greens over the last three weeks has certainly paid off over the last two days. " McIlroy didn't mind missing the PGA Tour events leading up to the Masters. "I honestly just don't like the three tournaments leading up to this event," McIlroy said.