McIlroy Vows to Keep Attacking with Historic Lead at The Masters

Rory McIlroy is determined to maintain his aggressive approach as he seeks to defend his title at The Masters, holding a record lead at the halfway stage. The Northern Irishman carded a stunning 65 on Friday, reaching 12 under after 36 holes and opening up a six-shot advantage over Americans Sam Burns and Patrick Reed. McIlroy's impressive performance comes a year after he completed his career Grand Slam at Augusta National, ending an 11-year wait for his fifth major title. The 36-year-old, who also led by six shots at the halfway stage of his first major triumph at the 2011 US Open, has vowed not to become overly cautious and instead 'keep swinging' in pursuit of victory. When asked what advice he would give himself based on his experience at the 2011 US Open, McIlroy replied, 'Don't protect it, go out and play freely.' He emphasized the importance of staying committed and trusting his game, rather than adopting a defensive mindset. McIlroy's lead has been built on one of the most efficient performances of his career, with the world No 2 repeatedly recovering from trouble over the opening two rounds. His ability to make birdies at three out of four par fives on Friday, despite missing the fairway with his tee shots, was a notable aspect of his play. McIlroy attributed his success to his short game and wedge play, which allowed him to score well despite not being perfect. He also expressed a sense of relaxation, stating that he feels like he is 'playing with the house's money' now that he has won at Augusta, which has helped him overcome challenging moments. McIlroy's more relaxed demeanor has been evident throughout the tournament, and he will look to maintain this approach as he seeks to defend his title over the weekend.