RORY MCILROY PLAYED such a sublime second round of golf at the PGA Championship on Friday he had defending champion Alex Noren quipping he thought about quitting.

The 29-year-old quadruple major winner carded a bogey free seven-under par 65 to move to 12 under and a three-shot lead over Englishman Sam Horsfield.

Noren — who played in the same group as the Ulsterman and like him and playing partner Lee Westwood also didn’t record a bogey — may have been joking about retiring but he was in awe of McIlroy’s round.

That’s the best round I’ve ever seen. I’m about to quit golf I think,” said Noren.

Noren sits five shots off McIlroy but the Swede will be well aware that after his stunning 62 last year which saw him come from way off the pace to seal victory anything is possible.

McIlroy, though, likes being out in front going into the weekend even if he like Noren staged a last-round blitz to come from seven shots off the lead to win in 2014.

“Obviously I have the confidence that I’m playing well and I can go out and try to I guess just replicate what I did the day before,” said McIlroy.

McIlroy plays his second shot on the sixteenth. Warren Little Warren Little

“On the first tee box tomorrow (Saturday), I’ll be thinking about what I did today and trying to just keep the same thoughts and make the same swings.

“You know, I went a couple better today than I did yesterday. (I am) not sure I’ll keep the same progression going but something similar tomorrow would be nice.”

McIlroy’s only disappointment was parring the final two holes, both par fives, as he had done on Thursday but he was one of many who came away with nothing from them with Horsfield dropping a shot on the 17th and parring the 18th.

The 21-year-old, who has had an encouraging start in his rookie season posting two top-four finishes, said he could cope with the pressure at being among the front runners at such a high profile event.

I think any time you’re playing on the weekend and you’re up there near Rory, I think you’re going to be doing pretty well,” said Horsfield.

“I’m just looking forward to tomorrow, whether I be playing with Rory or whoever I end up playing with, I’m going to go out there and give it my all.”

Horsfield’s gut feeling is the title will come down to who putts best and if that proves the case then Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat — who is five shots off McIlroy — is one brimming with confidence with regard to putting.

Richard Heathcote Richard Heathcote

“I’ve been putting so good,” said the 28-year-old.

“I hole everything inside 15 feet which is phenomenal. Just have to keep doing until the last two rounds to catch Rory.”

One man who knows McIlroy inside out is Antrim’s Graeme McDowell, with whom he formed a partnership in the 2010 and 2012 Ryder Cups.

McDowell, who was named a Ryder Cup vice-captain on Tuesday but is keen to qualify to play in it in France in September, is six shots back from his compatriot and the 38-year-old said chasing down McIlroy would be a tough ask.

You know, when Rory is on his game, he’s incredibly tough to catch,” said McDowell.

“I know he likes it around here, having won here in the past, and these are perfect conditions for him.

“No wind, target golf — he can use his length and his ball flight control to his great advantage.

“But obviously I’m hoping to give him a run for his money this weekend.”

© – AFP 2018