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Among the biggest headlines from the first round of the 2025 edition of The Masters was Rory McIlroy — just not for the reasons the PGA Tour star would have hoped for.
For much of the day, the Northern Ireland native appeared destined to end his first round at Augusta National Golf Club Thursday as one of the top contenders for the green jacket, but what had been a stellar first 14 holes quickly came apart for the 35 year old. McIlroy had double bogeys on the 15th and 17th holes, dropping him to even par for the day and in a tie for 27th place.
A new day, however, promised a new opportunity for a man still in search of his first Masters championship.
McIlroy has gotten close at golf's most hallowed event before, finishing second in 2022 and, more famously, holding a four-shot lead on the final day of competition in 2011 before shooting an 8-over 80 on Sunday to finish in a tie for 15th.
With his uneven first round behind him, here's a look at how McIlroy fared in the tournament's second round on Friday:
MCILROY: Met with Jack Nicklaus to prepare for Augusta. Here's what happened
Rory McIlroy scorecard today
After his disastrous finish on Thursday, McIlroy rebounded nicely on Friday, particularly as his round progressed. After going 1-under on the front nine, McIlroy went 5-under on the back nine including finishing under par on four of the first six holes. That hot streak was highlighted by an eagle on the 13th hole.
Roaring into contention. McIlroy eagles No. 13 and is now tied for fourth. #themasterspic.twitter.com/1i65HRkd33
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