McIlroy Bounces Back at Augusta With Flawless 66
Resilient Rory McIlroy rides pine straw luck and inner calm to surge back into Masters contention
Augusta, Georgia - Rory McIlroy produced a vintage response to Thursday’s late stumble by carding a bogey-free 66 in the second round of the 2025 Masters Tournament on Friday, reigniting his chase for the elusive Green Jacket.
After an even-par 72 littered with two late double-bogeys, McIlroy made the most of calm morning conditions at Augusta National. His four birdies and an eagle, particularly the nerveless strike from the pine straw on 13, propelled him back among the leaders.
“I was just looking for my name,” McIlroy grinned, when asked what he thought seeing the stacked leaderboard. “Not really worried about the others.”
The moment of magic came on the par-five 13th, where he rifled a 4-iron from the trees, cutting the corner in dramatic style. “When the ball was in the air, I was like, you idiot, what did you do?” he laughed. “But it paid off.”
The Northern Irishman admitted to feeling frustrated on Thursday evening, but a hug from his daughter Poppy and a reminder from sports psychologist Bob Rotella to stay patient helped reset his mindset.
“I think overall just proud of myself with how I responded,” said McIlroy. “I wasn’t going to let two bad holes dictate the rest of the week.”
He admitted to riding his luck—especially on holes 13 through 15—but acknowledged that fortune is often a factor in major golf. “These are the sorts of things that you need to happen in major championships.”
McIlroy, who hasn’t won a major since 2014, showed mental maturity with eight pars to open his round before a birdie burst on the back nine. “I just tried to stay really, really patient,” he said. “That patience was rewarded.”
Asked what he proved with this bounce-back round, McIlroy kept it simple: “If anything, I just backed up the belief that I have in myself… I’ve been really proud of how resilient I’ve been the whole way throughout my career.”
Despite sitting near the top of the leaderboard, McIlroy was quick to remind everyone of the journey ahead. “It’s only halfway,” he said. “All I’m focused on is trying to hit a good tee shot in the fairway on the first hole tomorrow.”
A big Saturday looms—but Rory looks ready.