Rory McIlroy poised for ‘sprint finish’ in PGA Championship at Wentworth

On a day that many believed would inevitably feel different from the norm Rory McIlroy supplied the sense of familiarity. A 65 means he will begin the third and final round of the PGA Championship one shot off the lead.

The scale of support for McIlroy and the cheers as he pieced together his latest excellent round of 2022 were perfectly typical. As McIlroy walked towards the clubhouse on completion of media duties, giddy autograph hunters chanted his name. In fact, bar a two-minute silence in honour of the Queen and the donning of black ribbons by players, this proved as normal an occasion as onlookers could expect. McIlroy’s pizzazz played a huge part in that. Afterwards he addressed the bigger picture.

“Yesterday was a sad day for Great Britain,” McIlroy said. “The Queen has been such a steadying figure. To give that level of duty with the dignity, the dedication and grace that she had; she was an absolutely incredible woman and over the next few days I think you are going to see her celebrated as such.

“I was very fortunate to meet her a few years ago and she couldn’t have been nicer. It was a wonderful moment for me, I have the picture in my house alongside the MBE which I am very proud of.”

The DP World Tour clearly agonised over the continuation of this event after Friday’s pause. “I thought it was the right decision,” McIlroy said of the resumption. “I don’t think we are disrespecting anyone by playing. Hopefully we are showing our respect and celebrating what an incredible life the Queen had. The atmosphere was brilliant, it really was. It was great.”

The highlight of McIlroy’s round was an eagle at the 4th. Yet par saves at the 13th and 16th could prove just as important by the time this tournament concludes.