Rory McIlroy has already set a 36-hole Masters record and now targets Tiger Woods’ 54-hole lead from 1997.
After establishing the largest 36-hole lead in Masters history, Rory McIlroy has set his sights on another piece of Augusta National lore heading into the weekend at Augusta National Golf Club.
The defending champion is chasing a new benchmark: the largest 54-hole lead ever recorded at the Masters. Tiger Woods holds that distinction, establishing a 9-shot advantage after three rounds in 1997—a tournament he ultimately won by 12 strokes en route to one of golf’s most dominant performances.
Historic Pace at Augusta
McIlroy’s performance through 36 holes has already rewritten the Masters record books. His commanding position at the halfway point of the tournament represents unprecedented territory for the sport’s most prestigious event, which has been contested since 1934.
The DP World Tour account highlighted the significance of the moment, positioning the 2025 Masters champion within reach of an elite historical achievement. Should McIlroy extend his lead to nine shots or more after Friday’s third round, he would match Woods’ legendary 54-hole advantage.
The Road Ahead
With the final 18 holes still to play, McIlroy remains focused on the task at hand. Winning back-to-back green jackets would represent a significant career milestone, and capturing the tournament wire-to-wire would rank among the most impressive Masters victories in recent memory.
The weekend at Augusta National will determine whether McIlroy can add another chapter to Masters folklore or if he can etch his name further into the tournament’s record book.
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