Rory McIlroy Leads Masters by 6 Shots After Historic Friday Run

McIlroy sets new 36-hole record at Augusta National as Bryson DeChambeau misses the cut.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:27pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the various elements of Rory McIlroy's dominant Masters performance, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the golf course, crowds, and McIlroy's powerful swing.Rory McIlroy's record-setting pace at the Masters has the golf world captivated as he seeks to become the fourth player to win back-to-back green jackets.Augusta Today

Rory McIlroy is making Masters history as he enters the third round on Saturday at Augusta National with a commanding six-shot lead. McIlroy's second-round 65 set a new Augusta National record for the largest lead through 36 holes, surpassing previous marks held by golf legends like Jack Nicklaus and Jordan Spieth. Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau missed the weekend cut after triple bogeys on Thursday and Friday derailed his tournament.

Why it matters

McIlroy's record-breaking performance has put him in prime position to win his first green jacket and complete the career Grand Slam. However, he will need to maintain his torrid pace over the final 36 holes to fend off a talented group of chasers. DeChambeau's early exit was a major disappointment, as the big-hitting star was expected to contend at a course that should have suited his game.

The details

McIlroy secured the largest 36-hole lead in Masters history on Friday, finishing at 12-under 132. He capped off a second-round 65 by birdieing six of his final seven holes, including a 30-yard chip-in on the 17th hole. The previous record for a midway lead at Augusta was five shots, a mark held by golf legends like Jack Nicklaus (1975), Jordan Spieth (2015) and Scottie Scheffler (2022). Meanwhile, DeChambeau missed the cut after struggling with multiple triple bogeys, including one on the 18th hole Friday where he had trouble escaping a greenside bunker.

  • McIlroy will tee off for his third round at 2:50 p.m. ET Saturday paired with Sam Burns.
  • The final two rounds of the Masters will take place on Saturday and Sunday (April 13-14, 2026).

The players

Rory McIlroy

A four-time major champion who is seeking to complete the career Grand Slam by winning his first Masters title.

Bryson DeChambeau

A former U.S. Open champion who missed the cut at the Masters after struggling with multiple triple bogeys.

Sam Burns

An up-and-coming American golfer who is tied for second place, six shots behind McIlroy.

Patrick Reed

The 2018 Masters champion who is also tied for second place, six shots behind McIlroy.

Justin Rose

A former U.S. Open champion who is in a group of players seven shots back of the lead.

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What’s next

McIlroy will look to maintain his lead over the weekend and become the fourth player to win consecutive Masters titles, joining Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods. The chasing pack, led by Burns and Reed, will need to post low scores on Saturday and Sunday to have a chance of catching the red-hot McIlroy.

The takeaway

Rory McIlroy's historic performance has put him in prime position to capture his first green jacket and complete the career Grand Slam. However, the final two rounds at Augusta National will be crucial, as a talented group of chasers will be looking to reel in the Northern Irishman and prevent him from joining an elite club of back-to-back Masters champions.