Rory McIlroy has a big lead at the at the Masters after 36 holes. It usually ends well.

In a historic turn of events at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy held a commanding six-shot lead heading into the final 36 holes of the Masters. This lead was unprecedented, as no player had ever held such a significant advantage at this stage of the tournament. As the golf world watched with bated breath, many wondered if McIlroy could maintain his dominance and secure a coveted green jacket.

Looking back at past Masters tournaments, we can see that holding a five-shot lead after 36 holes does not always guarantee victory. Several players have found themselves in similar positions only to falter in the final rounds. From Scottie Scheffler to Jack Nicklaus, these golfers have experienced the highs and lows of leading at Augusta National.

In his debut as the world’s No. 1 player, Scheffler seemed poised to run away with the tournament after building a five-shot lead over his closest competitors. However, a late stumble on the final hole opened the door for McIlroy to make a late surge. In the end, Scheffler held on to win by three shots, but not without some drama along the way.

Similarly, Jordan Spieth’s record-breaking performance in 2015 showcased the unpredictability of the Masters. Despite holding a five-shot lead after 36 holes, Spieth faced stiff competition from Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose. Ultimately, Spieth’s commanding lead proved insurmountable as he cruised to victory by four shots.

Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus also experienced the ups and downs of leading at Augusta National. In a memorable tournament, Nicklaus saw his five-shot lead disappear after a shaky third round. However, a clutch birdie putt on the 16th hole propelled him to victory over Tom Weiskopf and Johnny Miller in a thrilling finish.

As we reflect on these past performances, we are reminded that anything can happen at the Masters. Whether it’s a rookie like Scottie Scheffler or a seasoned veteran like Jack Nicklaus, the pressure of leading at Augusta National can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. As Rory McIlroy prepares to navigate the final rounds with a six-shot lead, the golf world eagerly anticipates the conclusion of this unforgettable tournament.

For more updates on the Masters and other golf news, visit the AP Golf page at https://apnews.com/hub/golf. Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion of the Masters tournament as Rory McIlroy aims to secure his place in golfing history.