Rory McIlroy laughs off Masters question after setting new Augusta record: ‘What do you think?’

The only person who looks able to beat Rory McIlroy is Rory McIlroy.

At the halfway stage of the The Masters, the Northern Irishman – and defending champion – holds a commanding six-shot lead.

Getty

This is a far cry from the stress of last year, when the 36-year-old carded four double bogeys over the week, something six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus told him not to do this time around.

Still, he went on to claim the first Green Jacket of his career, and becoming the sixth player to complete the career grand slam.

McIlroy enters the third round at Augusta National leading by six strokes at 12-under, the largest 36-hole lead in Masters history, after he birdied six of his last seven holes.

This had one reporter eager to know whether he would find it more fun eking out an exciting victory, or cruising to the finish line.

The world No. 2’s response was as expected.

“What do you think?” McIlroy said laughing, albeit somewhat awkwardly.

“I’ve built up a nice cushion at this point and I guess my mindset is just trying to keep playing well and keeping my foot on the gas.”

Chasing pack ready to pounce

Only three golfers in history have ever won back-to-back Masters titles – Jack Nicklaus (1965-66), Nick Faldo (1989-90), and Tiger Woods (2001-02).

McIlroy is seeking to become the fourth at the 90th edition of the Masters, but he knows the challenge that lies at stake, despite his commanding lead entering Saturday.

“I know what can happen out here – good and bad,” McIlroy said in a televised interview after Round 2.

Getty

Getty

With 36 holes left to play, there are a myriad of big names behind the Northern Irishman who are patiently waiting to pounce should there be any slips.

The American duo of Sam Burns and Patrick Reed are tied in second sitting six under par, while Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose are just behind on five under par.

But McIlroy seems far more relaxed out on the Augusta National golf course than ever before.

“I haven’t panicked when I’ve hit it off line and into trees, I’ve layed up and relied on wedges and those scoring clubs,” he said.

“This course enables you to get on runs, although I certainly didn’t imagine birdieing six of the last seven.

“I’ve always felt when you’re feeling it around here you can get momentum, the crowd gets on your side and you keep it rolling.”

McIlroy has therefore set up a third-round pairing with Burns in the final group with a tee time of 19:50 UK time (14:50 local time).

Stay up to date with the latest from The Masters across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.