After last year's completion of his Career Grand Slam it seems something has changed with Rory McIlroy. Shoulders are down, there's a constant smile on his face, and not even wayward drives seem to bother the Northern irishman.
Question is; what can stop him now?
Rory McIlroy's back nine Friday was among the most mesmerizing displays I've ever seen on a golf course. Augusta National is commonly known as "a second shot golf course" with big emphasis on the approaches onto the quick and undulated greens. But in order to set yourself up for successful approaches, you need to put your ball in play, find the right angles.
This does not seem to be the case for Rory McIlroy.
After two rounds of golf, Davis Riley found himself bottom of the field. He was also bottom in terms of driving accuracy. Second to last in this category? Rory McIlroy.
I am not exaggerating when I claim he yelled "fore" on ever other hole on Friday. Still he recorded a score of seven under par, sits at -12, and has the largest half-time lead ever in Masters history.
When looking at how McIlroy got to this point, his stats are incredible in every single category except for the driving. His putting and short game are better than ever before, but it is how he is making birdies that fascinates the most. Remember some years ago, when McIlroy was often criticized for poor spin and distance control? This week at Augusta he is birdieing the par fives after having to layup – all thanks to stellar wedge play and solid putting.
On the par fives, Rory McIlroy, through eight par fives is seven under par, despite not hitting a single fairway.
Having this said, he is showing a more complete game than ever before.
But of course there is more to it.
Rory himself admits that there is a certain effect of feeling unburdened after last year's win, but also highlights that he has spent a lot of time at Augusta National leading up to the tournament, almost "becoming part of the furniture". His combination of meticulous preparations and a favorable mental state of mind makes it hard to see anyone catching McIlroy.
However, we are only half way through the tournament – and Augusta has a reputation for bringing drama.
We all know there might be some to the left of the 10th fairway.
Remember, back in 2011 Rory dropped a four shot lead in the last round, with a visit to these trees being the telling moment. A moment that came to haunt him for a decade and a half.
It ain't over until the fat lady sings.