Rory McIlroy bounced back from a horrid first round at Augusta with the lowest second-round score in Masters history, moving two shots clear of leader Justin Rose at the top of the leaderboard. The Northern Irishman produced four birdies and an eagle on the par-five 13th hole as he produced a bogey-free 66. Rose, who struggled with his tee shot in the opening round, was only six shots worse than Thursday but had to hold on to his lead as a host of notable names climbed up the pack behind him.
Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry, Collin Morikawa and one-time major winner Corey Conners are all within five shots of the Englishman. McIlroy has a great opportunity to complete a career grand slam but will need a nerveless approach and a rock-solid putt on the 18th green to win his fifth Masters title.
Bryson DeChambeau is the next best player on 12 under but he is also struggling to find his groove with the irons and a string of three bogeys leaves him slipping down the rankings. The American is also putting poorly and his short wedge from less than 90 yards at the second found Rae’s Creek.
A beautiful day in Georgia as the early starters take to the course for Round 3 at The Masters. The weather looks perfect for a final round with not a cloud in the sky and the greens are fast and true. McIlroy gets off to a solid start with a superb drive down the right side of the fairway at the 1st. A brilliant approach puts him in the cup for birdie from 8ft and he’s off to a quick start.