Rory McIlroy takes two lead in CJ Cup title defense as he finishes second leg in world No 1 | Golf News

Rory McIlroy could return to world No 1 for the first time since 2020 in second place this week, depending on Scottie Scheffler’s results; Jon Rahm, Kurt Kitayama, Aaron Wise and Cameron Davis are leading at half-way; watch the PGA Tour live on Saturdays from 8pm on Sky Sports Golf

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Highlights of Day Two of the CJ Cup in South Carolina

Rory McIlroy shot 67 in the second half to continue to compete with fronts Jon Rahm and Kurt Kitayama halfway through his CJ Cup title defense.

McIlroy, who had a magic-free start on Thursday, dropped two hits on nine points first but won his way back with a chance to leapfrog Scottie Scheffler as world No 1 with five hands racket at back nine to move two shots behind the leader at bottom nine.

Spain’s Jon Rahm came within an inch of dashing out from 195 yards in his under-62 ripeness, helping him share the lead with Californian Kurt Kitayama.

Having won the Spanish Open two weeks ago, Rahm has beaten four birdies in a row on nine fronts, all within 10 feet.

He took a bunker shot from 60 feet in par-four, eighth, made a 35-footer on par-ten 10 and then made three birdies in a row with his shot on 17th. graze the edge of the cup.

Needing one last birdie for a career low round, Rahm in round 18 rolled down a steep slope and came to rest against a bunker rake for his only trophy.

Aaron Wise took time to hit the ball after the opening round and it paid off for him in round 66. He came back two points, along with Cam Davis (66).

Watch the CJ Cup live throughout the week on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues Saturday from 8pm on Sky Sports Golf.

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