The Irish duo of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell are poised to move into first class over the weekend rounds of the Turkish Airlines Open at Belek.
McIlroy didn’t drop a shot for a second day running in back-to-back rounds of 67 for a 12-under par tally on the Montgomerie Maxx Royal course.
McDowell, and like McIlroy is contesting the event for a first occasion, grabbed seven birdies in a bogey-free 65 to be sharing eighth place and a just a shot behind McIlroy.
Micro flight loving South African Jaco Van Zyl continues to hug the pilot’s seat adding a 69 to Thursday’s course record 61 and move two shots clear of his rivals at 14-under par.
McIlroy was delighted with his second lowest opening 36-hole Race to Dubai effort this season and just two shots shy of a 14-under par first two rounds on route to capturing the Dubai Desert Classic.
Rory McIlroy primed to move into first class over the weekend of the Turkish Airlines Open. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)
“I feel like this is the most stress-free two 67s as I’ve shot this year,” he said.
“It also was a round that could have been a bit better, especially the way I played around the middle of the round, not taking advantage of some of the holes coming in is a little disappointing.
“But then any time you can go the first 36 holes of a tournament without a bogey, it’s not too bad.”
After an indifferent PGA Tour season McDowell continues to shine on his return to the European Tour signing off for an 18th sub-par effort in 20 rounds since missing the cut in August’s PGA Championship.
McDowell’s 65 is also his lowest round this year since a similar 65 eight months ago on day two of the Dubai Desert Classic, and with his eventual share of ninth behind McIlroy his best finish all year.
“I played very solid today and the big key being I drove the ball a little better than I did yesterday,” he said. “My game has been building really sort of since the beginning of August.
Graeme McDowell needing a top-five finish to qualify for next week’s WGC – HSBC Champions event. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)
“I took some time off after the PGA Championship and just cleared my head a little bit and I’ve really been enjoying this run of golf I’m on. I feel like momentum is building.
“I’ve had a few knock-backs on back nines on Sundays, but getting to those back nines on Sundays, that’s been the key and that’s been the part that’s missing.
“So taking the odd hit is not a bad thing really. I’m really happy the progress I’ve been making. It’s been a tough year but looking to finish strong and moving to 2016 with some good vibes.”
McDowell is currently lying 64th on the Race to Dubai but then has slipped to 80th on the World Rankings.
“I’ve got a lot of catching up to do and this would be a perfect opportunity to have a big weekend and get myself sort of back up in The Race to Dubai,” he said.
“This is a great set of four events and being here for a first time in Turkey, I’m really enjoying it.
“This is a great golf course and the weather is great. Hospitality is lovely but looking forward to the weekend.
“I’m also not into next week’s WGC – HSBC Champions event so this is a very, very important week for me.
“I need to put some points on the board to make some sort of a dent in this Money List to give myself something to play for at the end.”
Only the top-30 on the Race to Dubai will qualify for next week’s HSBC Champions in Shanghai and with McDowell trailing Euro 466,587 adrift of qualifying.
It means G Mac finishing top-five at worst in Turkey if he’s to tee up in Shanghai but then if he needed any incentive McDowell has finished third in the China event the past two years.
