When Rory McIlroy chatted to the great Jack Nicklaus about the best way to defend his Masters title, he received a succinct piece of advice.
“He told me ‘no double bogeys’,” laughed McIlroy.
An obvious tip maybe, but it is easier said than done at Augusta National. Just ask the 36-year-old from Northern Ireland, who has opened up a record six-shot lead at the halfway stage thanks to a stunning finish to Friday’s second round.
On his way to golfing utopia last year, McIlroy carded four double bogeys over the week – a tally which nobody had ever recorded and still managed to don the Green Jacket.
So far, with McIlroy holding a commanding advantage in his pursuit of a rare back-to-back Masters win, he has carded none.
Instead of costly doubles threatening to derail his progress, there was a flurry of birdies late in a sensational second round which helped McIlroy accelerate away from the chasing pack.
He converted six in the final seven holes of his second round – including a glorious chip in from 30 yards on the 17th – to finish 12 under par following a spell which ranks among the finest of his career.
The run enabled the five-time major champion to set a record lead after 36 holes, with American pair Sam Burns and Patrick Reed closest behind on six under.
“I’ve always loved the tournament and loved this golf course, even when I felt it didn’t love me back,” said McIlroy, who is bidding to become only the fourth player to win successive titles, following Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.
“Now when I miss fairways it’s fine, when I miss greens it’s fine. I feel like I’m playing with the house’s money.”
