Rory McIlroy pulls away and sets Masters record with 6-shot lead at halfway mark

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The only thing that stopped Rory McIlroy in the Masters was running out of holes to play Friday

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The only thing that stopped Rory McIlroy in the Masters was running out of holes to play Friday.

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McIlroy stood on the 12th tee in a tie with Patrick Reed and with a dozen other players bunched together in what was shaping up to be a compelling chase for the green jacket.

Six birdies over his final seven holes for a 7-under 65 left everyone to wonder if they were playing for second. McIlroy’s fourth straight birdie to close out the best round of the week gave him a six-shot advantage, setting the Masters record for largest 36-hole lead.