McIlroy hit three birdies and an eagle on the back nine to enter the weekend only two shots behind the leader, Justin Rose. He shares third with Canada’s Corey Connors.

The South African-born Rose leads by three after 18 holes. He made four birdies and three bogeys to shoot 71 and is currently on eight-under 136 after 36 holes. “I’m in a great position going into the weekend,” Rose told Reuters.

He must keep a close eye on the Northern Ireland competitor, though. McIlroy is a four-time major winner, but has never won the Masters. So far, he has failed ten times to take the green jacket and hasn’t won a major title since 2014.

It's the weekend at the Masters. Competitors must keep their focus and remain patient as the race toward the Green Jacket intensifies. Welcome to moving day. #themasters pic.twitter.com/H2BFoItCkg

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2025

In his way stands American superstar Bryce DeChambeau on seven under.

Top-ranked defending champion Scottie Scheffler hit four bogeys and three birdies on the back nine to shoot 71 and share fifth on 139, with England’s Tyrrell Hatton, Ireland’s Shane Lowry and American debutant Matt McCarty.

Norway's Viktor Hovland, Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard and Australia's Jason Day are four under after 36 holes. South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel made the cut, but sits on two-over 146 going into the weekend.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger cg