Imagine if Rory McIlroy had lost the Masters last year. The crushing pressure to finally claim the green jacket would be immense. Instead, having broken through with a dramatic victory, he returned to Augusta National with a champion's freedom.
That relaxed focus was on full display as McIlroy fired a 7-under 65 on Friday, moving to 12-under for the tournament and building a six-shot lead. It is the largest 36-hole lead in Masters history. He started with three consecutive birdies and closed with a stunning run, birdying five of his final seven holes, including a chip-in on the 17th.
"I feel so much more relaxed," McIlroy said earlier in the week. "It doesn't make me any less motivated... but yeah, just more relaxed about it all."
Now, his challenge shifts from chasing his first Masters to chasing history, joining Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Nick Faldo as the only men to win back-to-back titles. With a clean card through two rounds and a massive advantage, McIlroy is striding confidently toward that legendary goal.