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McIlroy magic!
Rory McIlroy stretched his U.S. Open lead to six strokes on Friday after a record-setting start to his second round at Congressional Country Club.
Rory McIlroy stretched his U.S. Open lead to six strokes on Friday after a record-setting start to his second round at Congressional Country Club.
The 22-year-old Northern Irishman holed out his approach shot on the par-four eighth hole for eagle to reach 10 under par at the 111th U.S. Open, the fastest any player had ever reached double digits below par in the championship.
McIlroy also birdied the fourth and sixth holes before his spectacular eagle, where he landed his second shot about 18 feet past the hole and watched it trickle down a slope and curl into the cup.
Even playing partner Phil Mickelson clapped in admiration at the shot by the Briton, who had led the Masters two months ago by four strokes heading into the final round before blowing his chances with a last day 80.
The sensational play by McIlroy, who had yet to make a bogey and held a three-shot lead overnight, was threatening to turn the year's second major into a rout.
‘McIlroy's form ridiculous’
American amateur Scott Pinckney predicted a great week for his friend McIlroy after they played a practice round together on the eve of the event.
However, even Pinckney has been amazed by the record-breaking pace set by McIlroy.
"It's ridiculous," Pinckney told Reuters after shooting a four-over-par 75 in Friday's second round. "He hit it great in practice, as you can tell from what he's done so far in this tournament.”
