McIlroy Vows to Maintain Aggressive Approach with Historic Masters Lead

Rory McIlroy is determined to maintain his attacking style of play as he attempts to defend his title at The Masters, following a stunning second-round 65 that has given him a record lead at the halfway stage. The Northern Irishman's impressive performance has put him six shots clear of the field, and he is keen to avoid becoming overly cautious as he seeks to build on his advantage. McIlroy's lead is reminiscent of his first major triumph at the 2011 US Open, where he also held a significant lead at the halfway stage and went on to win by eight shots. When asked what advice he would give himself based on that experience, McIlroy said, 'Don't protect it, go out and play freely, keep swinging.' He believes that staying aggressive and focused on making birdies will be key to his success over the weekend. McIlroy's efficient play has been a hallmark of his performance so far, with the world No 2 repeatedly recovering from tricky situations to maintain his momentum. He has made the most of his opportunities on the par fives, making birdies at three out of four of the longer holes despite missing the fairway with his tee shots. McIlroy's relaxed demeanor has been notable at this year's event, and he attributes this to the feeling that he is 'playing with the house's money' after finally completing his career Grand Slam at Augusta last year. He is determined to enjoy the experience and make the most of his time at The Masters, and is confident that his aggressive approach will serve him well as he seeks to defend his title.