AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Rory McIlroy has maintained his lead at the Masters, shooting a 3-under 69 Friday to take a two-stroke lead to the weekend.
The 21-year-old from Northern Ireland avoided the sort of meltdown that ruined his chances at last year’s British Open. He followed up an opening 65 with another solid round, the only hiccup coming at No. 12 where he made what is the lone bogey on his 10-under 134 card over the first two days.
Right on McIlroy’s heels was Jason Day, one of his playing partners. The 23-year-old Australian made the biggest charge with a 64, the best round of the tournament that took him to 136.
Also in the mix: 51-year-old Fred Couples, taking another crack at becoming the oldest major winner in golf history. His 68 left him at 139.