Rory McIlroy waited his entire career to win at Augusta. One year later, he’s already on the verge of doing something only three players have ever managed.

The former Masters champion became just the sixth player in history to complete the career Grand Slam, joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. As a matter of fact, that group hadn't added a new member in 27 years before McIlroy.

Now he's back at Augusta, and the target has shifted. A back-to-back Masters victory would put him alongside Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods, the only three players to have ever successfully defended the title.

After Friday's second round, he leads by six shots. McIlroy shot a 65 on Friday, and that six-shot cushion broke the Masters record for the largest 36-hole lead. The previous mark was five shots. At the same time, Patrick Reed is second after a 69, and Sam Burns is third after a 71.

On the 17th hole, McIlroy chipped in from 30 yards for birdie, and he had gone through the trees to get there.

"I know what can happen around here, good and bad," McIlroy said. "You don't have to remind me not to get ahead of myself."

According to BetMGM Sportsbook, he is the clear favorite at -250, with Reed far behind at +1600.

Defending the Masters would put Rory McIlroy in a Three-Man Club

Only three players have ever won the Masters in consecutive years: Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods.

On Friday, McIlroy also recorded the lowest score in a major round for the seventh time in his career. Only Tiger Woods has done it more, with 12.

A fan on X summed up the mood well: "My guy there is 36 holes left. Let's not get ahead of ourselves now."

There are still 36 holes left, and Augusta has seen big leads disappear before. But McIlroy came into 2026 as a legend, and he is playing like he still has more to achieve.

Does McIlroy have what it takes to join Nicklaus, Faldo, and Woods? Or will Augusta find a way to make this interesting? Drop your prediction in the comments.

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Written by

Sneha Abraham