The Northern Irishman was superlative, posting his second consecutive six under 66 around the iconic Augusta National on Saturday. It was enough to move him to 12 under for the first major of the year, two shots ahead of a metronomic Bryson DeChambeau. Canadian Corey Conners is alone in third on eight under.

McIlroy enjoyed an exceptionally bright start, becoming just the sixth Masters player to go four under after the first three holes. He rolled in a ten-footer for birdie on the first, chipped in from 54 feet for eagle on the second and drained a seven-foot birdie putt on the third to overtake then-leader Justin Rose.

The grand slam chaser dropped two shots with two bogey mid-round, but finished strong with a birdie on the 13th and another eagle three on the par five 15th for another impressive round.

"Yeah, obviously it was a dream start to get off to the start that I did," the 35-year-old told the press afterwards.

"You know, I've got a lot of experience. I came in here talking about being the most complete version of myself as a golfer, and you know, I just have to keep reminding myself of that and remind myself that no matter what situation or scenario I find myself in tomorrow, I'll be able to handle it."

The only time McIlroy failed to convert while holding a 54-hole lead in a major was at the 2011 Masters. But now, he has another chance to cement his name among the greats with a career grand slam.

Trying to make sure that doesn't happen is DeChambeau, whose checkered round had six birdies and three bogeys. The American is looking forward to putting on a show for the Augusta galleries on Sunday.

"It will be the grandest stage that we've had in a long time, and I'm excited for it," said the two-time major winner.

"We both want to win really, really badly. You know, shoot, there's a lot of great players behind us, too. Got to be mindful of that and focus. It's about who can control themselves and who can execute the golf shots the best."

With an outside chance is 2018 Masters winner Patrick Reed, who is sitting tied for fourth alongside Ludwig Aberg on six under, six off the lead.

READ MORE: Justin Rose clings to Masters lead as DeChambeau, McIlroy, and Scheffler surge

THABO MATEBE

Curro High School sends Bayanda Walaza’s coach to the Olympics

Editors Pick