Rory McIlroy

McIlroy covered his last nine holes in five under par to card a second round of 67 at Los Angeles Country Club.

McIlroy said his press conference at last week’s Canadian Open was “the most uncomfortable I’ve felt in the last 12 months”.

‘Sometimes it’s nice playing courses a little blind,’ the Northern Irishman said ahead of the season’s third major.

McIlroy two strokes off lead heading into final round alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose.

McIlroy recorded five birdies at Oakdale Golf and Country Club to improve to six under par, three shots off the midway lead held by China’s…

On eligibiliy & selection

McIlroy was kept in the dark about the stunning deal which was announced on Tuesday.

The Northern Irishman thinks “ultimately it’s going to be good” for the professional game.

Players are coming to terms with the shock merger with LIV Golf.

McIlroy and Tiger Woods have been the biggest supporters of the PGA Tour’s battle with rival LIV before the shock announcement.

The Northern Irishman finished tied with two other players on six under par.

At four under par McIlroy was three shots off the early clubhouse lead.

The 34-year-old followed an opening 71 with three straight 69s to finish two under par, seven shots behind winner Brooks Koepka.

McIlroy carded a second round of 69 for a halfway total of level par to lie just five off the lead.

McIlroy is five off the lead shared by Scottie Scheffler, Corey Conners and Viktor Hovland.

McIlroy fought back from three over par after nine holes to return a 71.

McIlroy ended his first nine holes three over par.

The last seven men’s majors have been won by players in their 20s.

The four-time major winner missed the cut at Augusta National last month.

McIlroy felt the break was necessary for his “mental and emotional wellbeing” after a taxing 12 months.