Rory McIlroy has surged back into contention at the BMW PGA Championship, carding a five-under-par 67 to sit four strokes behind American leader Ryan Gerard at Wentworth. The Northern Irishman quickly found his rhythm on Friday afternoon, collecting three birdies across his first five holes after a challenging opening round.
McIlroy, who is aiming for an eighth Race to Dubai crown, recovered from a dropped shot on the eighth with a 16-foot birdie putt on the 11th. He finished his round with birdies on the 17th and 18th, despite a bogey on the 16th.
His rival for the Race to Dubai, Patrick Reed, was forced to withdraw midway through his round due to an injury while nine over par. This exit offers McIlroy a clear opportunity over the weekend.
Ryan Gerard commenced the day on five under and produced a bogey-free 65, capped off by a 20-foot eagle putt on the 17th and a closing birdie to secure the outright lead. Adam Scott is at 10 under after a 67, while Filippo Celli shot a 66 on his Wentworth debut.
US PGA champion Aaron Rai carded a 69, placing him on nine under alongside Spain's Manuel Elvira. JJ Spaun, who rolled in an eagle on the 18th to complete a 66, is at eight under, sharing that mark with McIlroy, Ryan Fox, Nacho Elvira, and Ross Fisher.