Masters 2015 day two report: The career slam is a distant prospect for Rory McIlroy as Jordan Spieth rewrites the record books

Spieth set a 36-hole record for the Masters

Rory McIlroy reacts to a poor shot on the fifth (GETTY IMAGES)

History was made at the Masters but not in the name of Rory McIlroy.

The world No 1 required a barnstorming back nine to make the weekend with a second successive 71 but remains 12 behind man of the hour Jordan Spieth.

The 21-year-old American set a 36-hole record for the Masters and equalled the lowest half way total at any major on 14 under par, five clear of second placed Charley Hoffman.

Dustin Johnson was another rewriting the Masters record book with three eagles in a round for the first time, and this after starting with a double bogey.

Johnson shot a 67 to close in a tie for third on seven under par alongside Englishmen Justin Rose and Paul Casey.

The career slam is a distant prospect for McIlroy, who was left to rue a poor outward nine that started with a bogey and ended with a double.

He turned for home three over par, one outside the cut mark, but a back nine of 31, including an eagle and four birdies, two of them back-to-back at the close, left him alongside Tiger Woods and defending champion Bubba Watson on two under par.

“I missed some short ones on the front nine and was not comfortable on the greens, but I’m proud of the way I fought back and to come home in 31 was pleasing. I will need four more nines like that to have a chance.

Spieth plays his approach shot to the second at Augusta (AP)

“I need to get off to a fast start and shoot a low one Saturday to have a chance. Jordan posted two incredible scores and does not look like folding.

“I have given myself an uphill battle but will try my best and see what happens.”

Ben Crenshaw’s 44th and final Masters ended in emotional scenes on the 18th green.

Crenshaw, twice a winner here, will remember little about the golf, which ended with a 32-over-par total, but will not forget the send-off.

“I feel like I have won the tournament. The people here I will never forget. They know how to look after their champions. My god it was way past time for me. This place has meant the world to me,” he said.