Rory McIlroy surges into six-shot Masters lead with stunning second-round flourish
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Rory McIlroy leads the 2026 Masters at the halfway point with a record 12-under-par 65, aiming to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters titles.
- McIlroy's confident play included a remarkable chip-in from 30 yards on the 17th hole, extending his lead to six strokes over the field.
- Patrick Reed, a former Masters champion, is the closest challenger at six under, with Sam Burns and a trio of Europeans including Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, and Tommy Fleetwood also in contention.
- Tyrrell Hatton and Brooks Koepka showed strong performances, with Hatton improving his Masters form and Koepka responding to criticism about his PGA Tour return.
- Notable players missing the cut include Robert MacIntyre, Cameron Smith, Fred Couples, and Bryson DeChambeau, who faltered on the 18th hole after being inside the cut line.
