The Masters, Round 2: Rory McIlroy Sets Augusta National Record With Six-Shot Lead

Rory McIlroy produced a scintillating display on Day 2 of the Masters, backing up his first-round 67 with a a 7-under 65 to leave everyone wondering if they were playing for second. McIlroy's fourth straight birdie to close out the best round of the week gave him a six-shot advantage, setting the Masters record for largest 36-hole lead. “I knew I had some chances coming in when I was standing on the 12th tee, but I didn’t think I’d birdie six of the last seven,” he said. “It just shows what you can do around here.”

Updated on: 11 April 2026 9:53 pm

Published at: 11 April 2026 9:53 pm

Masters golf tournament 2026 second round-Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, waves after his putt on the 13th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. | Photo: AP/Matt Slocum

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Masters golf tournament 2026 second round-Shane Lowry

Shane Lowry, of Ireland, hits his tee shot on the 16th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, in Augusta, Georgia. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip

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Masters golf tournament 2026 second round-Tommy Fleetwood

Tommy Fleetwood, of England, waves after his putt on the 16th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. | Photo: AP/Gerald Herbert

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Masters golf tournament 2026 second round-Jason Day

Jason Day, of Australia, lines up a putt on the 15th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. | Photo: AP/Ashley Landis

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Masters golf tournament 2026 second round-Hideki Matsuyama

Hideki Matsuyama, of Japan, hits from the fairway on the 13th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. | Photo: AP/Matt Slocum

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Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, walks to green on the 11th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip

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Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip

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Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. | Photo: AP/Eric Gay

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Masters golf tournament 2026 second round-Xander Schauffele

Xander Schauffele hits from the bunker on the second hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, in Augusta, Georgia. | Photo: AP/Eric Gay

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Xander Schauffele hits from the bunker on the second hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, in Augusta, Georgia. | Photo: AP/Gerald Herbert

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Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits from the bunker on the seventh hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, in Augusta, Georgia. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip