# Golf: Defending champion Rory McIlroy seized control of the 2026 Augusta Masters yesterday, carding a spectacular 7-under 65 to take a six-shot lead into the weekend. McIlroy’s record 12-under total after 36 holes leaves challengers Patrick Reed and Sam Burns trailing at 6-under. While Shane Lowry and Justin Rose remain in the hunt at 5-under, world number one Scottie Scheffler slipped to even par. Only Charl Schwartzel of the three South Africans in the field made the cut. Rising stars Aldrich Potgieter and Casey Jarvis failed to qualify for the final two rounds.
Golf: Rory Mcllroy takes commanding lead at Augusta Masters