Rory McIlroy heads a European take-over on day two of the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic.
The double Major winning McIlroy added a second round 66 to his opening 63 to move to 10-under par in the $US 6m event at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida.
Zimbabwe’s Brendon De Jonge shot a 64 to move into second place and just a shot behind McIlroy on 10-under par.
Rory McIlroy acknowledges the crowd after retaining his lead on day two at the Honda Classic. (Picture: Fran Caffrey www.golffile.ie)
American Russell Hendry finds himself the lone American in the top five posting a 68 to be third on eight under par.
Scotland’s Russell Knox shot the best round of the day of a seven under par 63 and muscle his way to a share of fourth place with England’s Lee Westwood who carded a 65.
And adding to the strong European Tour flavour in the Sunshine State was Welshman Jamie Donaldson with scores of 65 and 69 to be sharing sixth spot at six under par.
McIlroy’s round had commenced poorly when he bogeyed his second and third holes but he began turning things around with birdies at his seventh and ninth holes.
He then jumped on the accelerator with four birdies over his closing seven holes.
And after the media scrutiny of a year ago McIlroy this week has been letting his clubs do all the talking.
“This year is obviously a lot different,” McIlroy said. “Got off to a good start. I’m confident. I’m playing well. This is the second straight tournament I’ve opened with a 63, so if I can keep building on these good starts, then hopefully I can start converting.”
Australia’s and Masters champion Adam Scott had spent Sunday of last year’s Australian Open in Sydney seeing McIlroy’s game close hand.
Then after spending another two days alongside McIlroy in Florida this week Scott was again suitably impressed.
“Watching Rory play is amazing when he’s swinging like this,” said Scott.
The Masters champ put shots in the water on the 16th and 17th holes, both times making double bogey, and it looked as though his return to golf after a six-week break would be a short one. But the Australian ran off four birdies on the front nine for a 70.
