Rory McIlroy’s Players title bid fades after erratic second round at SawgrassBy Phil Casey, PA Golf CorrespondentRory McIlroy’s bid for a second Players Championship victory suffered a potentially fatal blow as Scottie Scheffler played through the pain barrier to keep his hopes of an historic title defence alive. McIlroy held a share of the overnight lead following an opening 65 at Sawgrass, but could only add a second round of 73 to slump eight shots behind US Open champion Wyndham Clark. Scheffler had earlier received treatment from a PGA Tour physio during a second round of 69 which left him six behind Clark, who reached halfway at 14 under par thanks to a second-consecutive 65. “I hit a shot on my second hole today and I felt a little something in my neck,” Scheffler, who had started from the 10th hole, explained. So, for me it’s just about trying to stay patient, just keep doing what I’m doing and go from there.”

Source: Irish Independent March 16, 2024 14:58 UTC