Rory McIlroy, a two-time PGA champion and the champion the last time the PGA Championship was contested at Kiawah Island (2012), worked his way back into contention by playing his first 15 holes in 3 under on Friday.
He was back to even par for the tournament after a rough opening 75. But then he gave three shots back with bogeys at the last three holes.
“Sort of kept it together and sort of let it go those last three holes,” McIlroy said after his round of 72. “I drove the ball much better, I hit the ball much better,” he said. “So, if I can keep doing that, just sort of try to keep the silly mistakes off the card, hopefully get out early when there’s not as much wind and try to post a good one.”
He also needs to play the par 5s better if he is going to get back in the tournament. Through two rounds, McIlroy played the par 5 holes at the Ocean Course in 5-over par.
At 3 over through 36 holes, McIlroy trails co-leaders Phil Mickelson and Louis Oosthuizen by eight strokes.
