Rory McIlroy has stormed back into contention at the Masters with a stunning second-round 66, following a disastrous finish to his opening round.
The world No.2 had looked out of the tournament after dropping four shots in his final four holes on Thursday to card a level-par 72.
But the 35-year-old Northern Irishman responded brilliantly with a bogey-free round on Friday that included three birdies and a spectacular eagle.
McIlroy started the day eight shots behind leader Justin Rose but has now put himself firmly back in the hunt for that elusive green jacket.
Rory McIlroy admitted he was lucky on the second day of The Masters
Sky Sports
His remarkable recovery left commentators stunned, particularly his daring approach shot on the 13th hole.
McIlroy's eagle on the 13th came after his wild drive veered right and landed amongst the pinecones in the pine straw.
Despite commentators dismissing his chances of reaching the green, the Northern Irishman produced what appeared to be a miraculous shot from 189 yards.
His ball flew out of the trees, landed on the right side of the green and settled within feet of the flag.
Sky Sports pundit Paul McGinley questioned whether the shot was intentional, asking: "Was that brilliant, or was that foolish?"
McIlroy later admitted his own doubts during the shot, saying: "When the ball was in the air, I was like, 'You idiot, what did you do?'"
His relief was evident as he bent over and smiled before sinking the eagle putt.
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McIlroy later explained his thought process on the risky shot from the pine straw.
"I don't think it was really a decision to go for it or not," he said.
He revealed he was caught between club selection, eventually opting for a 4-iron.
"Usually the ball comes out of it spinnier out of the pine straw. So I hit a 4-iron, and the follow-through, definitely I saved it," McIlroy explained.
"I rode my luck a little bit with that second shot, but was nice to take advantage of it.".
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Rory McIlroy had a tricky end to the first day of The Masters
Reuters
McIlroy opted not to speak to the media after Thursday's round, explaining later that he "just wanted to make it back to his hotel before his daughter Poppy's bed time."
When asked about receiving backing from golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson, McIlroy joked: "They are getting old.
"I was so frustrated last night because I played so well. I think I'm the king of shooting 72 in the first round of The Masters."
Despite his critics suggesting his 11th attempt to complete the career grand slam was already over, McIlroy refused to let "two bad holes sort of dictate the narrative for the rest of the week."
McIlroy's redemption continued on the 15th hole, where he had carded a double-bogey 7 the previous day.
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Rory McIlroy remains in the hunt for his first green jacket
Reuters
This time, he hit a crisp drive and his second shot just held the green, allowing him to two-putt for birdie.
"I hit two good shots into 15 yesterday, and I felt like I hit a pretty good chip shot.
"I don't think I proved anything. If anything, I just backed up the belief that I have in myself."
"I've been really proud of how resilient I've been the whole way throughout my career, and I think today was just another example of that."
