Rory McIlroy takes big 2nd round lead at US Open
Masters collapse, what Masters collapse?
Rory McIlroy had the lead going into the final round of the Masters, back in April. But after shooting an eight-over-par 80 on that final Sunday, he lost the green jacket to South African Charl Schwartzel.
Since then, the golfer from Northern Ireland says he's learned from that experience. And it showed on Friday during the second round of the US Open golf championship.
McIlroy fired a five under par 66 on Friday. Combined with a six-under 65 Thursday, McIlroy is at 11-under par. His two round total of 131 is the lowest 36-hole score in US Open history, one lower than the mark Ricky Barnes set at the 2009 US Open.
The 22 year-old played well during Friday's round, which included an eagle on the par-4 eighth hole. "It's always a bonus when you hole it from the fairway," Mcllroy said after the round. "There's a bit of skill involved, but there's also a little bit of luck in there, as well."
As of Friday afternoon, McIlroy's lead was eight shots over former PGA Championship winner Y.E. Yang of South Korea. Several players finished their second rounds at two under, including Sergio Garcia, Brandt Snedeker, and former Masters champ Zach Johnson.
Despite the lead, McIlroy has been here before. He shot a first-round record 63 at the British Open last year. But that was followed by an 80 the next day. Golf is a sport that demands a high-level of consistency. McIlroy has an impressive lead now on one of the biggest stages in the sport. Will he be celebrating on Father's Day?
