It was not Rory McIlroy’s new girlfriend who was the distraction on day two of the WGC – HSBC Champions event in Shanghai.
McIlroy recorded a three under par 69 to move into a share of 17th place at five under par in smoggy but warm conditions on the Sheshan Golf Club course.
Sweden’s Freddie Jacobson added a 66 to his opening round 67 to move one stroke clear of the field on 11-under par with former British Open champion, Louis Oosthuizen (63) and Australia’s Adam Scott (65) tied in second place at 10-under par.
McIlroy’s round was a mix of seven birdies and also four bogeys with the high being three birdies in succession from the sixth and the low when he found water right off the tee at the par four, 16th.
Following McIlroy around the Shanghai course for a second day was blond-haired Caroline Wozinacki who seemed to be commanding as much TV attention as the current World No. 3 ranked golfer.
It’s the first occasion since the pair became an ‘item’ that the Danish-born tennis ace has been present at a tournament to support McIlroy, and it seems McIlroy doesn’t mind. “No, not at all,” was McIlroy’s response when asked if her presence was proving a distraction.
“It’s just nice to have her support out there.”
The pair looked content as they walked from the course together but McIlroy is looking for something a lot more comforting over the weekend.
“It wasn’t really what I was looking for today as I felt as if I could have been a lot lower,” he said.
“It seems that every time I made a birdie, I made a bogey and I was just always trying to play catch up. I feel like over the past two days, I’ve left quite a few shots out there.
“But it’s one of those things. I just have to try and make them up over the weekend.
“So I’ll need to do something pretty good over the weekend if I want to try and win this tournament.”
While McIlroy looks for a second straight Shanghai success, fellow Irishman and U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell is still looking for a first victory this year.
The Portrushman’s round was a mix of five birdies and two bogeys on a golf course that suits the eye of last year’s Pebble Beach champion.
“I didn’t strike the ball quite as well as Thursday but it is there or thereabouts and I am pretty happy with another 69,” said McDowell.
