Rory McIlroy roared back into contention at the Masters with a thrilling second-round performance, despite a challenging start to his campaign. After a difficult finish to his first round, McIlroy’s outstanding 66 in round two demonstrated his resilience and skill, propelling him into a tie for third place, just two shots behind leader Justin Rose.
McIlroy’s journey to this point was not without drama. His first round ended with two double bogeys in the final four holes, leading some to write off his chances of capturing the elusive career Grand Slam. However, McIlroy’s second round revealed why he’s considered one of the most exciting players in golf. His front nine was solid but unspectacular, with a 35, before he found another gear after the turn. His approach to the 10th was precise, setting up a simple birdie, and from there, he began to turn the tide in spectacular fashion.
One of the key moments came at the 12th hole, where McIlroy’s tee shot appeared headed for trouble, but a fortunate bounce left him with an easy par. He followed this with a sensational eagle at the 13th, from 214 yards on pine straw, holing a shot that had the crowd buzzing. McIlroy acknowledged his good fortune on the 13th and 14th, but his iron play, especially a daring shot from the trees on 14, was nothing short of impressive. His ability to recover and take advantage of the opportunities presented to him was a testament to his mental toughness.
Despite a bogey on the 15th the previous day, McIlroy found redemption with a birdie at the same hole on Friday. At the 17th, he narrowly missed another birdie, but finished with a routine par at the 18th to complete his round. With no further mistakes after his opening day, McIlroy’s 66 matched his career-best second-round score at Augusta, and he ended the day on six under par.
Justin Rose, who started the day as the leader, held onto his position despite a steady 71 that was far from flawless. Rose’s round included key birdies at the 12th and 16th, but he also gave away shots with mistakes at the 14th and 17th. At 44, Rose reflected on the significance of winning the Masters later in his career, noting that a victory now would carry more satisfaction than it might have in his early years.
Bryson DeChambeau, once known for his unconventional views on Augusta, is making a serious run at the title. DeChambeau’s 68 placed him just one shot behind Rose, and his growing confidence and improved competitive mindset were evident. With his focus on continuous learning and growth, DeChambeau is a dangerous contender, especially given his recent success in major tournaments.
Shane Lowry also made his move with a solid 68, moving to five under for the tournament. Lowry, who had breakfast with McIlroy before the round, spoke about McIlroy’s frustration the previous night but praised his performance in the second round. Matt McCarty, a surprise contender, matched Lowry’s score, while a strong European presence continued on the leaderboard with Rasmus Højgaard and Viktor Hovland both at four under.
The leaderboard is crowded, and with two more rounds to go, it’s clear that the Masters is shaping up to be a thrilling finish. While some notable names like Brooks Koepka and Adam Scott failed to make the cut, the excitement is building, and it’s anyone’s game as the weekend unfolds.
