McIlroy widens Masters lead, eyes back-to-back titles
McIlroy widens Masters lead, eyes back-to-back titles
Rory McIlroy stretches his grip on the Masters as his record 36-hole lead grows, with Hatton and Rose pressing behind.
Rory McIlroy pushed his Masters title defense into a commanding position with a second-round display that produced the biggest lead after 36 holes in Masters history. After opening with a five-under 67 to sit atop the leaderboard alongside Sam Burns, the defending champion followed with a scintillating Friday performance that widened the gap over the rest of the field.
McIlroy's steady driving and precise irons set up birdie chances, and he drained several clutch putts down the stretch to secure a cushion that could be enough to carry him to a second green jacket. The Masters chase now appears primed for a weekend of high drama as he looks to convert that early advantage into another title.
Behind him, Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose emerged as the main challengers among a pack of contenders eager to capitalize on any slip. The opening rounds kept Burns in the mix as well, with Scheffler and other marquee names circling behind as Augusta's tricky pins tested every facet of the field.
As 36 holes are complete, the stage is set for a weekend that could redefine McIlroy's career in this tournament. If he maintains his accuracy and keeps the pressure on the rest of the field, the Masters title defense could shift from drama to inevitability.
