Rory McIlroy Shoots 66, Back in Masters Hunt/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rory McIlroy shot a 6-under 66 in Friday’s second round at The Masters, putting him back in contention for a career Grand Slam. The round came after two late double bogeys on Thursday and a timely pep talk from sports psychologist Bob Rotella. Now sitting near the top of the leaderboard, McIlroy’s hopes of capturing a green jacket are alive.
Rory McIlroy’s Masters Comeback: Quick Looks
- McIlroy shot a second-round 66, recovering from two double bogeys late in his opening round.
- He credited mental coach Bob Rotella, who urged him to stay patient heading into Friday.
- McIlroy caught fire on Augusta’s back nine, carding three birdies and an eagle.
- He’s now within striking distance of the lead, sitting just behind Justin Rose and Bryson DeChambeau.
- A highlight came at the par-5 13th, where McIlroy’s bold 4-iron approach set up an eagle.
- The 35-year-old is chasing his first green jacket, the final piece of a career Grand Slam.
- Friday’s 66 was McIlroy’s sixth at Augusta, tying Jack Nicklaus and Jordan Spieth for second-most rounds of 66 or better.
- He’s joined near the top by heavyweights, including Rose (8 under) and DeChambeau (7 under).
- McIlroy emphasized staying grounded, saying leading Friday doesn’t guarantee Sunday success.
- His bounce-back performance has reignited belief, both for himself and fans, that 2025 could finally be his year.
Rory McIlroy Shoots 66, Back in Masters Hunt
Deep Look: Rory McIlroy’s Resurgence Keeps Green Jacket Dream Alive
AUGUSTA, Ga. — After a disheartening finish on Thursday that included two back-nine double bogeys, Rory McIlroy left Augusta National unsure of his place in the 2025 Masters. But a quiet night with his daughter and a chat with renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella gave him the mental reset he needed.
On Friday, McIlroy responded with a flawless 66, launching himself right back into contention for the one prize that has eluded him: a Masters green jacket.
“I just had to remind myself I played great golf yesterday,” McIlroy said. “I wasn’t going to let two holes dictate the rest of my week.”
A Methodical Start, a Fiery Finish
McIlroy’s Friday round began steady and calculated. But it was on the back nine where the magic happened. Starting at the 10th, he dropped an approach within two feet for birdie. Another perfect drive and wedge at 11 added a second.
At the famously dangerous par-5 13th, McIlroy gambled on a 4-iron from the pine straw — a decision that nearly backfired.
“I thought: ‘You idiot. What did you do?’” McIlroy laughed afterward. The ball cleared the water, barely, and left him a simple eagle putt.
He birdied the 15th, erasing the bad memories from Thursday when he dumped a chip into the water there. The round showcased a mix of grit, luck, and brilliance, underscoring why McIlroy remains one of the game’s most captivating figures.
A Historic Round at Augusta
The 66 was McIlroy’s sixth career round of 66 or better at The Masters, putting him in elite company alongside Jack Nicklaus and Jordan Spieth. Only Tiger Woods has more such rounds, with eight.
“He just kind of had it going,” said playing partner Akshay Bhatia. “He drove it on a rope. He’s the best driver in our game.”
Now sitting at 6 under, McIlroy trails Justin Rose (8 under) and Bryson DeChambeau (7 under) on a leaderboard teeming with big names.
Eyes on the Weekend
Despite the turnaround, McIlroy struck a cautious tone after his round.
“Golf tournaments are long,” he said. “There’s so much that can happen in the next 36 holes.”
He added that his goal coming into the week was reaching 12 to 15 under, a score he still believes will win. After an even-par first round, his 66 has him right back on pace.
The Masters is the only major McIlroy has yet to win, and each year the pressure builds. But if Friday’s round was any indication, the 35-year-old has rediscovered the mental and physical edge to finally break through.
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