McIlroy Vows to Maintain Aggressive Approach with Historic Masters Lead

Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy has pledged to maintain his aggressive playing style as he attempts to defend his title at the first major golf tournament of the year. Following a remarkable round on Friday, McIlroy secured a record lead at the halfway point, finishing 12 under after 36 holes and six shots ahead of his closest competitors, Americans Sam Burns and Patrick Reed. McIlroy's impressive performance comes a year after he claimed his career Grand Slam at Augusta National, ending an 11-year wait for his fifth major title. When asked about his strategy, McIlroy advised himself to "not protect" his lead and "keep swinging," drawing on the lessons he learned from his first major triumph at the 2011 US Open. McIlroy's mindset is to keep playing well and maintain his momentum, having built a significant cushion. His efficient performance 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. McIlroy attributes his success to his short game and wedge play, which have allowed him to score well despite not being perfect. He believes that his relaxed demeanor, stemming from the feeling that he is "playing with the house's money," has helped him overcome challenges and maintain a positive outlook.