Rory McIlroy has one arm through the sleeve of his second Green Jacket.
The reigning champion holds the biggest ever 36-hole lead in Masters history after birdieing six of the last seven holes in his second round. McIlroy shot a 65 to take a six-stroke lead at 12-under par.
Advertisement
It was a dominant display from McIlroy, who played with a calm composure that we haven’t seen from him at this golf course in the entirety of his career. He ascended to a level that only the all-time greats can reach.
That led Tiger Woods’ former coach, Butch Harmon, to compare McIlroy to two of the best players the game has ever seen.
Photo by Simon Bruty/Augusta National/Getty Images
Butch Harmon makes Tiger Woods comparison when discussing Rory McIlroy’s second round
Harmon, when evaluating McIlroy’s second round performance, said what the Northern Irishman has in common with Jack Nicklaus and Woods when playing at Augusta National.
He said on Sky Sports, “He’s coming in here, he’s more relaxed, he’s got the weight off his back after not only winning The Masters, but winning the Career Grand Slam. I said it earlier and everyone kind of looked at me like I was crazy.
Advertisement
I said, ‘I think he’s going to come in here and have a great week. Because I don’t think he’s going to push, he’s going to freewheel.’ In the past he’s pushed, pushed, pushed to win it. He’s let it come to him.
“He said, ‘I didn’t plan on birdieing six of the last seven holes.’ Of course you did. That’s what you were trying to do, and you did it.
“I just think we’re seeing a Rory McIlroy that we’ve never seen here at Augusta. Because he’s got his Green Jacket. He feels good about it. What did he say in the interview? ‘I can come back here for the rest of my life and play. I just love this place.’
“And we’re seeing the fruits of his labour. He’s worked hard. He loves this place. And this golf course suits him. It suits him the way it suited Jack. It suits him the way it suited Tiger.
Advertisement
“This golf course suits him because he can overpower it at times, and his short game has gotten better, and better, and better, and better. And I’m going to tell you, it’s been a joy to watch.”
Rory McIlroy living up to Career Grand Slam winner status
McIlroy’s major performances over the last decade have not lived up to his stature as an all-time great. He’s one of six men to ever win all four majors, but his troubles in the biggest events meant it was hard to compare him to the likes of Woods and Nicklaus.
But on his triumphant return to Augusta National, he has lived up to his reputation in every department. From the way he has carried himself as reigning champion, to the way he has played on the course.
Advertisement
McIlroy’s second round was his greatest showing in 10 years. He was a cut above the rest of the field, who also played lights out as the sun set in Georgia. But none of them could hold a candle to McIlroy.
More than ever before, McIlroy looked like one of the very best to ever swing a golf club.
