McIlroy Vows to Keep Attacking with Historic Lead at Masters

Rory McIlroy has pledged to maintain his aggressive approach as he bids to defend his title at the Masters, holding a record lead at the halfway stage. The Northern Irishman's stunning round of 65 on Friday has given him a six-shot cushion over Americans Sam Burns and Patrick Reed. McIlroy's impressive display 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 led by six shots at the halfway stage of his first major triumph, the 2011 US Open, where he went on to win by eight shots. When asked what advice he would give himself based on his past experiences, McIlroy said, 'Don't protect it, go out and play freely, keep swinging.' He emphasized the importance of not getting protective and instead focusing on making birdies and staying committed. McIlroy's strategy is to keep playing well and maintain his momentum, having built a significant lead. His performance has been marked by efficiency, with the world No 2 repeatedly recovering from trouble over the opening two rounds. He highlighted the par fives on Friday, 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 has allowed him to score well despite not being perfect. He believes that this efficiency is crucial for success at the professional level. Having struggled with the weight of expectation in the past, McIlroy appears more relaxed this year, citing a feeling of 'playing with the house's money' as a key factor in his ability to overcome challenges. He expressed his love for the tournament and the golf course, stating that it's a unique event that he's always enjoyed, even when he didn't perform well. McIlroy's goal is to continue playing freely and trusting his game, rather than getting protective and trying to hold onto his lead.