Rory McIlroy requires a rousing Saturday here at the USPGA if he is to put himself in the mix for a first major title in 10 years.
However, Tiger Woods’s challenge for a fifth Wanamaker Trophy ended prematurely after the 48-year-old suffered two triple-bogeys in three holes early in his second-round on his way to a 77 and a seven-over total to come nowhere near surviving the cut.
On a US PGA Friday which will forever be remembered for world No 1 Scottie Scheffler being arrested and charged for assaulting a police officer, before going out and firing a 66, the late struggles of McIlroy and Woods were a grim finale.
McIlroy, who despite filing divorce papers on Monday came into the season’s second major with such confidence after victory in his last two events, could only manage a hugely frustrating even-par 71, in which the lowlight was a double-bogey six on the 12th, and on four-under is outside the top 20 and a gaping seven shots off the lead.
McIlroy began in great fashion with a long birdie putt on the first but only made two other birdies.
Xander Schauffele retained the advantage, following up his opening record-breaking 62 moving to 12-under with a 68, one clear of fellow US Ryder Cupper Collin Morikawa – the dual major-winner shooting a 65 – while Scheffler is only two back and despite all his troubles, is looking ominously poised to win back-to-back majors and make it five wins – and a runner-up – in six events.
That would be undeniably Tiger-esque, but on a course further softened by the persistent drizzle, the icon bore little resemblance to his former self.
Woods was not the only legendary veteran missing the cut. His old rival Phil Mickelson – who made history by winning this major as a 50-year-old three years ago – crashed out on four-over after a 72.
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US PGA second round: As it happened