Rory McIlroy Exits Tournament After Masters Leader Faces Million-Dollar Fine
Rory McIlroy fired a 65 in the second round at Augusta. The score put him six strokes clear after 36 holes.
He had shared the lead after day one. If he holds on, he would become only the fourth player to win consecutive Masters titles.
Leaders and standings
McIlroy holds a commanding position at the top. Sam Burns and Patrick Reed sit joint second.
- Sam Burns
- Patrick Reed
- Tiger Woods was the last player to win back-to-back Masters, in 2002.
Withdrawal from next event
McIlroy exits the next tournament by skipping the RBC Heritage in South Carolina. The event is the first stop after the Masters.
He has often missed this event to recover after the major. He also skipped the tournament last year.
Past sanction and rule change
Under old PGA Tour rules, McIlroy was fined in 2023 for missing two signature events. That sanction cost him £2.2 million.
He faced a million-dollar fine under those rules. The tour has since updated its policy.
The rule change means the world No.2 can now skip the RBC Heritage without punishment.
Preparation and family routine
McIlroy says fewer starts helped his form at Augusta. He has intentionally reduced his schedule this year.
He prefers short trips. He described dropping daughter Poppy at school, flying to the course, then returning home for dinner with wife Erica.
He also spent three weeks practising on the course. His work focused on chipping, putting, and playing full rounds to test scoring situations.
Reporting: Filmogaz.com
