Rory McIlroy found himself heading back to the practice range after his performance slipped during the second round of the BMW Championship at Bellerive Golf Club in St. Louis.
The defending Masters champion had opened the tournament with an impressive six‑under‑par 66, which put him in a tie for the lead after day one. However, his follow‑up round on Friday yielded only a modest one‑stroke improvement, as he carded a 69 and fell a few shots off the leading pack.
When asked by the Golf Channel about the conditions on Friday, McIlroy noted that the weather was largely comparable to the previous day, but with a wind shift that altered the way the ball behaved. "The wind was coming out of a different direction, but still very scorable. The greens are soft, maybe the ball's got a little bit more run out on the fairways, but you'll still see guys shooting pretty good scores today," he explained. He added that his own ball‑striking wasn't as crisp as it had been on Thursday, prompting him to schedule an afternoon session on the range to fine‑tune his swing.
Despite the setback, McIlroy expressed satisfaction with his resilience. "I'm proud of how I just hung in there.
A lot of good par putts on the back nine, especially. The only bogey I had was with a mistake on the par‑five eighth hole, but I made some really good par saves coming in and that sort of kept me in it," he said. His comment highlighted the importance of short‑game proficiency and mental steadiness when the scorecard begins to wobble.
McIlroy also took a moment to praise the spectators at Bellerive. The six‑time major winner recalled his first visit to the venue in 2018 for the PGA Championship, noting the electric atmosphere created by a large, enthusiastic crowd. "They're amazing, that's one of the biggest things I remember from being here in 2018 for the PGA was just how many people showed up and what a great atmosphere it was to play in," he said.
He continued, "Yesterday was amazing for a Thursday. Today, teeing off at 9:45 on a Friday morning and the people out there were incredible. Looking forward to more of the same over the weekend." The leaderboard on Friday featured a strong showing from two‑time US Open champion Wyndham Clark, who entered the round as the only player in the field yet to post a double‑bogey. Clark posted a second consecutive 64, moving him to 12 under par and placing him at the top of the standings.
Close behind was Gary Woodland, just one shot back, while fellow American JJ Spaun surged to 11 under after a promising start, appearing poised to dominate the second round. Spaun's momentum, however, was halted by three bogeys on the back nine, which trimmed his lead. He managed to recover with two birdies, including a clutch birdie on the final hole, finishing as the clubhouse leader among the early starters at 10 under par. World No.
1 Scottie Scheffler, who opened with a 72 that left him two over par, struggled on the first hole of round two but rebounded after the turn with a string of five birdies. His resurgence lifted him to three under and placed him in a tie for 25th, still within striking distance of the leaders.
The tournament continues to attract attention not only for the on‑course drama but also for its broadcast arrangements. Live coverage of the BMW Championship will resume on Saturday, with action airing at 4 p.m.
on Sky Sports Golf and again at 8:30 p.m. on Sky Sports Main Event. For viewers without a traditional Sky subscription, streaming options are available through NOW with flexible, contract‑free plans.
Beyond the immediate competition, the event underscores the broader context of professional golf's evolving schedule. The PGA Tour's 2026 calendar features a mix of traditional venues and newer stops, reflecting the sport's global expansion and the increasing demand for high‑profile tournaments in diverse markets. Fans can stay engaged year‑round via various platforms, including the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, which offers analysis, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes insights. For amateur golfers and enthusiasts looking to experience the game firsthand, there are over 1,700 courses across the United Kingdom and Ireland where they can book a round.
By entering a city, course name, or postal code into the online search tool, players can find available tee times, compare rates, and secure a spot at a venue that suits their skill level and preferences. As the BMW Championship moves into its final stages, the narrative will likely focus on whether McIlroy can regain his early momentum, if Clark can maintain his lead, and how the rest of the field navigates the challenging conditions at Bellerive. The combination of soft greens, shifting winds, and a supportive crowd promises a compelling finish to one of golf's premier events.