Masters 2026: Rory McIlroy tightens grip on Masters with record 36-hole lead at Augusta
It seems odd to say this now, given his dominant position, but there was a spell on Friday when it felt like McIlroy was still not playing anywhere near his best – statistics show he was 90th in the field of 91 for batting accuracy.
Some of the t-shirt’s exits were spraying, some approaches with the irons were not as precise as they should have been.
In the end, it didn’t matter. Because since he won the Masters last year, there hasn’t been melodrama every time he makes a bad shot at a major.
His short game was outstanding throughout the second round and when everything fell into place immediately after the turn, he passed magnificently through the back half.
McIlroy learned how to be patient around Augusta. This looks like bad news for the rest of the leaderboard, which consists of Green Jacket wearers, major title holders and Ryder Cup stars.
Staying cool on the most punishing golf course in the world is a trait that both of the big names pursuing McIlroy admit is essential to succeed there.
Justin Rose, a three-time runner-up and tied for fourth, is aiming for his own redemptive win after losing to McIlroy in last year’s sudden-death play-off and is banking on his own patience for a first-ninth climb up the leaderboard on Friday.
“Things were tough there at first. But I calmed down and rebuilt the recovery,” said Rose, who is seven behind McIlroy after Friday’s 69-under par.
“This is a continuation of being on the leaderboard from last year and keeping the dream alive. I need to keep it as free as I can.”
Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who made a consecutive 14-par series, joined the British double and Ryder Cup winning teammates Rose and Tommy Fleetwood with five points after two birdies in the last three holes.
“I was hitting good shots and not converting, but I was patient,” said Lowry, whose only major win came at the 2023 Open.
But there is another contender, also from the European brethren, who has yet to learn how to keep his cool at Augusta.
Tyrrell Hatton may have to learn quickly if he’s going to challenge McIlroy.
The 30-year-old Englishman made seven birdies en route to a par-under 66 and appeared to have carded the day’s round matched only by McIlroy.
“I’m certainly not calmer or more patient this week. In fact, I’m probably more nervous,” Hatton said.
“I’ll take each shot as it comes and see what we end up with.”
