• The Masters

McIlroy happy to put himself in the hunt again

ESPN staff
April 6, 2012
Rory McIlroy carded a secound round 69 on Friday © Getty Images
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ESPN is providing live commentary and updates during all four days of The Masters from Augusta National - along with comprehensive news views and opinions.

Masters 2012: Second round report
Masters 2012: Second round gallery

Rory McIlroy is looking forward to contending for his maiden green jacket over the weekend after thrusting himself into contention with a round of 69 on Friday.

After starting the day one-under for the tournament following a strong finish late on Thursday, McIlroy positioned himself just a single shot short of clubhouse leaders Jason Dufner and Fred Couples after a fine day's work - with a 40-foot birdie putt at the prohibitively long par-three fourth perhaps the highlight of a solid round.

Having been in contention until the back nine on Sunday at the same event 12 months ago, the 22-year-old is hopeful he has laid the foundation to fare much better over the weekend this time around.

"I know I'm playing well, I just wanted to come here and put myself in position to win another major," McIlroy said. "I couldn't be happier to be in contention again here.

"To finish the way I did last night was huge and not to have too much time between rounds it was nice to get straight back at it. But the finish put me in a positive frame of mind.

"I've felt comfortable with my game pretty much all year. I'm just trying to keep that roll."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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