McIlroy Vows to Keep Attacking with Historic Masters Lead

Rory McIlroy has pledged to maintain his aggressive approach as he attempts to defend his title at The Masters, following a record-breaking halfway lead. The Northern Irish golfer carded a stunning round-of-the-day 65 on Friday, moving to 12 under par after 36 holes - six strokes ahead of his nearest rivals, 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. He also recalls his first major triumph at the 2011 US Open, where he led by six shots at the halfway stage before winning by eight strokes. When asked what advice he would give himself based on his past experiences, McIlroy replied, 'Don't protect it, go out and play freely, keep swinging.' He emphasized the importance of staying committed and trusting his game, rather than becoming overly cautious with his lead. McIlroy's mindset is focused on maintaining his momentum and 'keeping his foot on the gas' over the weekend. His success so far has been built on an efficient performance, including impressive play 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 efficiency to his short game and wedge play, which has allowed him to recover from mistakes and post good scores. He believes that this aspect of his game is crucial for success at the professional level. The 36-year-old has presented a more relaxed demeanor at this year's event, having overcome the pressure of completing a career Grand Slam at Augusta in previous years. McIlroy feels that he is now 'playing with the house's money,' which has helped him to stay calm and composed, even when faced with challenging moments on the course.