Rory McIlroy has turned meticulous preparation into a historic advantage at Augusta National. By spending nine of his three off-weeks practicing on the hallowed grounds, the defending champion has seized the largest 36-hole lead in Masters history—a commanding six strokes.

His secret? Treating Augusta like a second home. "I felt like I was part of the furniture at some point," McIlroy admitted, crediting his relentless short-game work for his stunning form. That dedication paid off spectacularly during a second-round 67, where he birdied six of the final seven holes, including a dramatic 29-yard chip-in at the 17th.

At 12-under par, McIlroy now enjoys a cushion over Americans Sam Burns and Patrick Reed. This lead isn't just a Masters record; it ties for the third-largest 36-hole advantage in major championship history, putting him in the company of legends like Henry Cotton and Brooks Koepka.

While some players chase momentum in tour events, McIlroy prioritized familiarity over competition. "I'd rather come up here," he stated, revealing a strategic preference for mastering Augusta's nuances over playing the preceding PGA Tour stops. This focused approach has his short game operating at a peak level, with his putter and wedges looking magical through the first two days.

Now, with a foot firmly on the gas, McIlroy's sights are set on a rare feat: joining Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods as the only players to win consecutive Masters titles. His historic start suggests that all those extra hours at Augusta weren't just practice—they were a prelude to a potential masterpiece.