McIlroy Leads Masters with Record Pace, Vows to Maintain Aggressive Approach

Rory McIlroy has pledged to maintain his aggressive strategy as he attempts to defend his title at the Masters, following a remarkable second-round performance that has given him a record lead. McIlroy's 65 on Friday propelled him to 12 under, six shots ahead of his closest competitors, Americans Sam Burns and Patrick Reed. The Northern Irishman, who claimed his first Masters title last year, emphasized the importance of avoiding a protective mindset and instead focusing on playing freely and making birdies. McIlroy drew parallels with his 2011 US Open victory, where he led by six shots at the halfway stage and went on to win by eight shots. He acknowledged that his experience has taught him to stay committed and trust his game, even when faced with challenges. McIlroy's impressive start has been marked by his ability to recover from trouble, particularly on the par fives, where he made birdies at three out of four holes despite missing the fairway with his tee shots. He attributed his success to his short game and wedge play, which have allowed him to score efficiently despite not being perfect. McIlroy's relaxed demeanor at this year's event is a notable departure from his previous experiences at Augusta, where he often felt burdened by expectation. He revealed that his mindset has shifted since completing his career Grand Slam, and he now feels like he is 'playing with the house's money,' which has helped him to overcome difficult moments. As McIlroy seeks to defend his title, he will look to maintain his aggressive approach and trust his game, with live coverage of the Masters continuing on Sky Sports.