The 2026 Masters is now Rory McIlroy’s to lose as he heads into the third round at Augusta National with a six-shot lead over Patrick Reed and Sam Burns.
McIlroy posted a seven-under-par round of 65 on Friday at The Masters to follow up his 67 on day one.
The 36-year-old Northern Irishman is looking to defend the Masters title that he won 12 months ago in such dramatic style.
Rory McIlroy hasn’t actually driven the ball well at all during the first two rounds of The Masters.
In fact, McIlroy is ranked second to last in driving accuracy at The Masters after two rounds at Augusta National.
However, his sensational iron play, exceptional short game and superb putting has enabled him to build a six-shot lead at the halfway stage.
Augusta National will undoubtedly be incredibly challenging on day three. If he wins, he will become only the fourth man in history to win The Masters in consecutive years, alongside Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo.
While the tournament is far from over, McIlroy has already trumped Nicklaus in one specific area.
Rory McIlroy overtakes Jack Nicklaus’ record after shooting 65 at The Masters
Nicklaus holds many records in the game.
He has won more majors than anyone else, with 18 to his name throughout his glorious career.
However, McIlroy now has the better of the Golden Bear in one department.
After shooting seven-under-par on day two at The Masters, McIlroy has now shot 65 or better 10 times in major championships.
Nicklaus only managed to do it nine times throughout his entire career.
That really is an incredibly impressive accomplishment by McIlroy.
It will be fascinating to see how many rounds of 65 or better he manages to accumulate at major championships throughout his career.
Rory McIlroy can now cement his legacy
He is currently tied with Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson for the most rounds of 65 or better at major championships.
He probably has another six years left at his absolute peak, so that means another 24 chances to break the record.
McIlroy knows how to go low as well, and when he gets well under par in any major, he doesn’t usually back up.
The 36-year-old is one of the greatest golfers of all time, and over the next few years we will likely see him cement his name in history by breaking many more records.
