Rory McIlroy shoots 33 on the front nine to remain in contention at the Masters – Golf News
The world number two, Rory McIlroy, fired a three-under par in the second round of the Masters Tournament to finish one-stroke behind the lead set by Jason Dufner and Fred Couples, on Friday, April 6, 2012.
McIlroy had an impressive start to his round as he carded a total of three birdies on the front nine to move at four-under for the tournament. While reaching the 17th hole, he was sharing the lead on top of the leaderboard.
However, a bogey on the 17th took him back on the leaderboard to tie for the third spot.
"I feel like I've played solid golf the last two days and could have been a couple shots better, like probably everyone in the field is thinking," said McIlroy.
"But I'm in a nice position and I definitely would have taken it after the start yesterday," he added, referring to his opening double-bogey on Thursday.
McIlroy entered the field of the Masters this year with an aim of taking revenge for the cruel defeat that he suffered last year in the same event.
He was leading the tournament throughout the first three rounds and displayed a devastating performance on Sunday to register 80 on the leaderboard. Meanwhile, Charl Schwartzel surged to the top of the leaderboard and earned the victory.
He is now trying to keep complete control over his game and he is not letting the pressure affect his performance.
"I drove the ball better. That was the big thing. Whenever you drive the ball well here it enables you to be a little more aggressive with your iron shots, and maybe go at a few more pins. That was the difference today," said McIlroy.
McIlroy also expressed his pleasure on his quick recovery from the double bogey that he scored to start off his campaign at the tournament this year.
He said that the first round was really important to him and he did not allow the double bogey to take over his mind.
Moreover, birdies at the end of the first round really helped him get going in the second round on Friday too.
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