Rory McIlroy made a brilliant recovery today to keep alive his chances of winning only his second-ever professional tournament in America. After two bogeys in the first six holes of his second round at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, the 19-year-old Irishman birdied four out of five holes around the turn and then parred in for a 68.
On two under par at halfway he was in a tie for ninth only four behind the two early clubhouse leaders, Australian Robert Allenby and American Will MacKenzie.
Among the players overtaken by McIlroy, a quarter-finalist on the pro debut in the States at last week’s WGC-Accenture Match Play, was world number two Sergio Garcia.
The 29-year-old Spaniard could add only a 72 to his opening 67 to be one under and down from joint second overnight to 19th. And that was with half the field still out on the Champions course.
Allenby, having set the pace with a 66 on day one, posted a 68 and was caught when MacKenzie returned his second successive 67.
Justin Rose crashed out on 12 over after a desperately disappointing 79. It contained double bogeys on the 16th and 17th, part of the feared ‘Bear Trap’ closing stretch.
The short 17th had cost McIlroy a triple bogey six in his first round 70.
Darren Clarke was among the later starters and remained level par after two holes, while defending champion Ernie Els was right on the cut line at three over after three, as was England’s Greg Owen after five.
