Rory McIlroy is back in the Masters chase after ridiculous Round 2 rebound

· New York Post

Maybe Rory McIlroy will want to talk about this performance.

A day after brushing off media following a first-round implosion in the opening round of the Masters, the Northern Irishman climbed into the top three after firing off a bogey-free 66 in the second round at Augusta National.

McIlroy surged in the second half of his Friday round, hitting back-to-back birdies on the par-4 10th and 11th holes, adding an eagle on the par-5 13th and another birdie on the par-5 15th.

Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the 16th tee during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National. Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

That came after his stunning birdie on the par-5 second hole, where he had to hit out from behind a tree.

That finish is in stark contrast to his Thursday start, in which he finished even at 72 following double-bogeys on holes No. 15 and 17.

Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the 16th tee during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National. AP

McIlroy, 35, opted not to speak with reporters after coming undone.

There’s a decent chance his Friday round left him in a more amenable mood.