Rory McIlroy Leads 2025 Masters by Six Strokes After Record 36-Hole Performance

Rory McIlroy leads the 2025 Masters Tournament by six strokes after two rounds at Augusta National Golf Club. The defending champion scored a 7-under par 65 in the second round, reaching 12-under par for the tournament. This margin surpasses the previous record of five strokes held by six players, including Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler.

McIlroy began the second round three strokes ahead after consecutive birdies on holes two and three. He dropped shots on the fifth and 10th holes, allowing Patrick Reed to tie him temporarily. McIlroy then made birdies on six of his final seven holes, including a chip-in on the par-4 17th and a two-foot putt on the 16th.

Tournament Standings Patrick Reed and Sam Burns share second place at 6-under par.

Tommy Fleetwood sits third at 5-under par after a second-round 68 that included two eagles. Shane Lowry and Justin Rose are tied for fifth at 5-under par. World number one Scottie Scheffler stands 12 strokes behind McIlroy after a second-round 74.

Bryson DeChambeau missed the cut after a triple-bogey seven on the 18th hole in the second round. Reed, who won the 2018 Masters by defeating McIlroy in the final pairing, trails by six strokes. Reed stated that low scores remain possible at Augusta National.

McIlroy's Approach and Background McIlroy, a five-time major champion from Northern Ireland, won his first Masters title last year on his 17th attempt, completing the career grand slam as the sixth golfer to do so.

He ended an 11-year major drought with that victory. McIlroy referenced his 2011 Masters experience, where he held a four-shot lead entering the final round but shot 80. He plans to maintain an attacking style over the weekend.

“I've built up a nice cushion at this point. I guess my mindset is just trying to keep playing well and keeping my foot on the gas. Don't protect it. " — Rory McIlroy, April 11, 2025 (GB News) McIlroy credited his wedge play and short game for building momentum during the round.”

A win this weekend would make him the fourth player to defend a Masters title successfully, joining Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods, whose last defense came 24 years ago.