Back-to-back closing bogeys took the gloss off Rory McIlroy’s charge to contention on day two of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.
McIlroy was just three shots off the lead with two holes to play in the defence of his title when he took three shots to get down at the par three 17th.
Then at the next the World No. 3 put his drive into the crowd but then sent his second way left into a water hazard in an eventual round of a two under par 70 for a two under par total.
Earlier, the World No. 3 rebounded superbly from his opening score of 73 to hole a 27-yard eagle putt at the seventh and sandwiched between four birdies from the fifth to 10th holes.
Rory McIlroy spoils his charge with back-to-back bogeys at the closing two holes on day two of the Wells Fargo Championship.
However, after an outward nine of four under par McIlroy played the inward nine in one over par.
“It wasn’t nice to finish the way I did with two bogeys but the rest of the card looks pretty good,” said McIlroy.
“I got it going around the middle of the round and hit a lot of shots of better quality than I did on Thursday.
“So while I wish it was a couple lower and when it’s good it’s good but when it’s bad, it’s really bad but today was a step in the right direction.
“I am only six behind but then I have had a couple of low weekends here including a 62 when I won in 2010 and a third round 61 last year so I can draw on that.”
American Andrew Loupe added a 71 to his opening 65 to enjoy a one shot lead at eight under par late on day two.
Compatriot Phil Mickelson was just three shots back posting a 70 to be at five under par and tied with fellow former champion, Rickie Fowler who shot a 68.
Justin Rose, with a pair of 70s, is the highest place European at four under par and one fewer than fellow Englishman Paul Casey (70)
