Rory McIlroy headed straight for the practice range after his performance slipped a bit during the second round of the BMW Championship in St. Louis.
The defending Masters champion opened the tournament with an impressive six‑under‑par 66, sharing the lead with a few other contenders. However, on Friday he was only able to add a single stroke to his total, carding a 69 that left him just one shot behind the leaders. When asked by the Golf Channel about the conditions on the course, McIlroy noted that they were largely similar to those he faced the previous day.
"The wind was coming from a different direction, but it was still very scorable," he explained. "The greens stayed soft, and the ball seemed to have a bit more roll on the fairways, yet players were still able to post good scores today." He admitted that his own ball‑striking wasn’t as sharp as it had been on Thursday, which is why he decided to spend the afternoon at the range. "I didn’t hit the ball as well as I did yesterday, so I think an afternoon on the range is the right move for me," McIlroy said.
Despite the modest score, the Northern Irish star expressed pride in his resilience. "I’m proud of how I just hung in there," he said. "I made a lot of good par putts on the back nine, especially. The only bogey I made was on the par‑five eighth hole after a mistake, but I saved a few pars later on, which kept me in contention." McIlroy also took a moment to praise the atmosphere created by the fans at Bellerive.
He recalled his first visit to the venue in 2018 for the PGA Championship, noting the sheer number of spectators and the electric vibe. "The fans are amazing – that’s one of the biggest things I remember from being here in 2018 for the PGA. The crowd turned out in huge numbers and the atmosphere was fantastic," he said. "Yesterday was an incredible Thursday, and today, teeing off at 9:45 a.m., the people out there were incredible.
I’m looking forward to more of the same over the weekend." Meanwhile, the leaderboard featured other notable performances. Two‑time U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, the only player in the field who had not yet dropped a shot, led the tournament at 12 under par after posting consecutive rounds of 64. Gary Woodland trailed just one stroke behind, while fellow American JJ Spaun appeared poised to take control after moving to 11 under at the turn.
Spaun’s momentum was checked by three bogeys on the back nine, but two birdies – including a clutch birdie on the final hole – helped him finish as the clubhouse leader among the early starters at 10 under. World No.
1 Scottie Scheffler, who opened with a 72 and was two over par, stumbled on the first hole of the second round but rebounded after the turn with five birdies. His recovery kept him in the hunt, albeit at a joint 25th place with a score of three under.
The tournament’s schedule continues into Saturday, with live coverage slated for 4 p.m. on Sky Sports Golf and 8:30 p.m.
on Sky Sports Main Event. For fans without a Sky subscription, streaming options are available through NOW with no contract required. Beyond the immediate action, the BMW Championship remains a crucial stop on the PGA Tour’s 2026 calendar, influencing the race to qualify for the season‑ending FedEx Cup playoffs. Players are not only battling for the sizable purse but also for valuable points that could secure their place in the season‑ending events.
The course at Bellerive Country Club, known for its lush fairways and challenging greens, has a reputation for rewarding precision and strategic play. The soft conditions on the greens this week have made putting a critical factor, while the wind shifts have required golfers to adjust their club selection and shot shape on a hole‑by‑hole basis. McIlroy’s comments about the wind coming from a different direction underscore how even subtle changes in weather can affect scoring opportunities. As the tournament moves into its final round, the field will be tightly packed, with several players within a few strokes of the lead.
The pressure will mount, especially for those like McIlroy who are seeking to climb back into contention after a modest second‑round score. His decision to spend extra time on the range reflects a common approach among elite golfers: use practice time to fine‑tune swing mechanics, work on distance control, and regain confidence before heading back out for the decisive round. Fans watching from home can continue to follow the action via Sky Sports Golf’s live broadcast, as well as through various streaming platforms that offer real‑time coverage. The tournament’s official website also provides live leaderboards, shot‑by‑shot updates, and player interviews, ensuring that golf enthusiasts stay informed about every twist and turn.
Overall, the BMW Championship has delivered an exciting mix of strong performances, strategic challenges, and enthusiastic fan support. Rory McIlroy’s candid reflections on his round, his appreciation for the crowd, and his commitment to practice illustrate the mindset of a champion who remains focused on improvement, even when the competition is fierce.
The upcoming final round promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a tournament that has already produced memorable moments and set the stage for an intense finish.