Rory Mcllroy struggled off the tee again but goes into the weekend just five shots off second place in the BMW Championship in Maryland.
The Holywood star is ten strokes behind leader Robert MacIntyre, who shot a bogey free, six under 64 to lead by five shots on 14 under from Scottie Scheffler, who shot 65.
McIlroy is tied for 11th on four under after playing his last ten holes in five under to post a 66.
“I scored better, but still not great,” said McIlroy, who is aiming to be in top form for the Tour Championship. “Yeah, look, it's okay, I played a good back nine and I scored well. Made a few saves.
“But I still want to try to hit a few more fairways. Still struggling to get the ball in play. But when I do get the ball in play, I give myself plenty of chances and make some birdies.
“That's a positive. I just need to try to get the ball in play a little bit more, and I did that for a little bit more on the back nine, and that was why, obviously, I scored better.”
As for winning, he said: “Not really. I think I'm just playing my own tournament at this point, shoot a good -- play a good weekend. Again, just try to -- no one is going to obviously replace Scottie at No. 1, but try to sort of solidify that No. 2 spot and then turn my attention to the TOUR Championship next week.
“I just want to try to play a good weekend and feel a little bit better about my game going into the TOUR Championship.”
Shane Lowry shot 69 to share 16th on one under.
Ludwig Aberg lies third on eight under with Tommy Fleetwood, Harry Hall and Viktor Hovland tied fifth on six-under.
“It's good to see Bob, Ludvig, Viktor, Tommy, even Harry Hall that's maybe got a chance to play in the team,” McIlroy said. “Yeah, it bodes well for a few weeks' time.
“I played with Harry in his first start as a pro at the Dunhill Links a few years ago. I know him a little bit. Really nice player, great rhythm to his golf swing, and he's sort of done it a different way.
“He went over to UNLV and did it that way. But he's become a very consistent player, so we'll see what happens.”
Article Link: McIlroy ten behind MacIntyre but improving in Maryland - News - Irish Golf Desk