Rory McIlroy's Masters challenge ignited by eagle at the eighth in his second round

Rory McIlroy reflected on a superb eagle at the eighth hole which "kick-started" his Masters challenge on the second day at Augusta.

The world No 2 had promised to cut out "silly mistakes" following an erratic opening 72, but he three-putted the first green and then bogeyed the third to slip to two over.

But he converted a stunning five-wood to six feet at the long eighth for eagle, and he reeled off four straight pars before picking up shots at the 13th and 14th.

McIlroy gave one back at 16, but he finished with a flourish as he rolled in an eight-footer for a closing birdie and an encouraging 70 which leaves him in great shape for the weekend.
"I made a lot of good putts for pars on the front nine," he said. "I mean I didn't play my best for the first few holes and the eighth hole really got me going, it really kick-started me.

"Then I started to hit some really good quality shots. I took advantage of a couple of easier holes on the back nine, 13 and 14.

"Anything under par today was going to be a good score and I stayed patient out there when I needed to and it was a good day.

"Digging in and grinding it out was pleasing for me. You had to be really disciplined. When we teed off it was rainy and windy. The wind was in a real unusual direction. It's a tough enough course as it is without wind like that.

"I'm comfortable with my game, and I'm happy with this position going into the weekend."