Rory McIlroy MISSES the cut at The Masters after carding a disappointing 77 on day two

Rory McIlroy’s wait for a green jacket continues after a wretched day ended his hopes of Masters victory.

The Northern Irishman carded a deeply disappointing 77 to leave himself five over par – a staggering 17 shots behind leader Brooks Koepka.

While it is yet to be confirmed, it is inevitable that the 33-year-old will miss the cut and make an early departure from the tournament where success continues to elude him.

McIlroy made four bogeys on a disastrous front nine to all but end his hopes. Another bogey at 11 left him at five over and while two birdies provided hope, two bogeys in the final three saw him finish with a whimper.

The 33-year-old has won four majors but is yet to taste success at Augusta and complete the grand slam.

It means his wait for his career grand slam will go on as well as his nine-year major drought

McIlroy made four bogeys on a disastrous front nine on day two leaving him with a lot to do 

Despite finishing runner-up here last year, he was never in contention this time around and will be left to reflect on a poor showing. His second-round score was the third-worst he has shot at the Masters and wrecked any chance of success.

It is nine years since McIlroy won a major and the barren spell continues after what was a slog for the world number two.

Elsewhere, LIV Golf rebel Koepka was again in imperious form. 

The outspoken 32-year-old followed up Thursday’s stunning 65 with a five under par 67. Koepka was four shots clear of second-placed amateur Sam Bennett.

The 23-year-old Texan is enjoying a fairytale debut, shooting a four under par 68 for the second round in a row to leave him at eight under. 

At the time of going to press Spain’s Jon Rahm is currently three shots behind on nine-under, with nine holes to play. Norway’s Viktor Hovland is six shots off the place, also with nine holes remaining.