Rory McIlroy remains optimistic despite 10-shot deficit at The Masters

Rory McIlroy remains optimistic despite facing a 10-shot deficit to the leaders after round two of The Masters at Augusta. The world number two struggled with the challenging conditions on Friday, posting a disappointing second-round 77 to sit on four over par.

McIlroy believes he can still challenge for victory, stating, “Hopefully conditions are a bit better on Saturday. I still believe I can go out and shoot a low round, get into red numbers and have half a chance going into Sunday.”

Although he was only six shots off the lead after the first round, McIlroy now finds himself in a tie for 35th place, well behind the US pacesetters Max Homa, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau.

Despite a tough day on the course, McIlroy reflected on his performance, saying, “Scoring was very difficult. Just one of those days. Most of the field couldn’t get anything going so it was just a matter of trying to hang in there as best you could.”

McIlroy’s group had a lengthy round lasting over six hours, with the golfer admitting, “It felt long. My golf swing felt horrific for the last six or seven holes just from waiting around, especially the 11th hole. It felt like that took about an hour to play.”

With two more rounds to go, McIlroy remains determined to make a comeback and challenge for the green jacket. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can turn things around and make a run for the title at The Masters.