When Rory McIlroy chatted to the great Jack Nicklaus for advice about the best way to defend his Masters title, he was given a succinct piece of advice.

“He told me ‘no double bogeys’,” laughed McIlroy.

An obvious tip maybe, but it is easier said than done at Augusta National. Just ask the 36-year-old from Northern Ireland, who has opened up a record six-shot lead at the halfway stage thanks to a stunning finish to Friday’s second round.

On his way to golfing utopia last year, McIlroy carded four double bogeys over the week – a tally which nobody had ever recorded and still managed to don the Green Jacket.

So far, with McIlroy holding a commanding advantage in his pursuit of a rare back-to-back Masters win, there haven’t been any.

Instead of costly doubles threatening to derail his progress, there was a flurry of birdies late in a sensational second round which helped McIlroy accelerate away from the chasing pack.

He converted six in the final seven holes of his second round – including a glorious chip in from 30 yards on the 17th – to finish 12-under par following a spell which ranks among the finest of his career.

The run enabled the five-time major champion to set a record 36-hole lead going into the weekend, with American pair Sam Burns and Patrick Reed closest behind on six under.

“I’ve always loved the tournament and loved this golf course, even when I felt it didn’t love me back,” said McIlroy, who is bidding to follow Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as only the fourth player to win successive titles.

“Now when I miss fairways it’s fine, when I miss greens it’s fine. I feel like I’m playing with the house’s money.”