India, April 11 -- The weekend is yet to transpire, but it would be a splendid idea if Augusta National Golf Club already starts etching Rory McIlroy's name on the trophy. Why wait for the inevitable?

The defending Masters champion produced a second round that was so imperious and so ethereal in shot-making that it has launched McIlroy into a stratosphere that appears beyond reach for mere mortals. From here on, Golfing Gods will have to connive in the most sinister fashion to deny him back-to-back Green Jackets.

McIlroy, at 12-under, led by six shots over Americans Sam Burns (71) and Patrick Reed (69). It is the highest margin of lead in the tournament's 90-edition history. Of the five players who held a five-shot lead after 36 holes, ...