Rory McIlroy is four strokes behind second-round leader Ryan Gerard at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. The Northern Irishman recorded a five-under 67 on Friday, placing him at eight under overall.
McIlroy made three birdies in his first five holes and recovered from dropped shots on the eighth and 16th by gaining four strokes on the back nine, including birdies on the 17th and 18th holes.
Ryan Gerard leads the championship at 12 under, two shots clear of Adam Scott and Filippo Celli, after a flawless round of 65 that included five birdies and an eagle. US PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai is at nine under alongside Manuel Elvira.
Patrick Reed, who leads the DP World Tour standings, withdrew from the tournament after nine holes due to injury. McIlroy commented that Reed's withdrawal provides him with an opportunity to gain ground in the Race to Dubai standings.