Rory McIlroy felt he was in a "good spot" to challenge for a second BMW PGA Championship title, a record-equalling fifth Rolex Series crown and make a big move in the Race to Dubai after a second-round 67 at Wentworth Club.
The Northern Irishman has got used to making history over the past 18 months, sealing the career Grand Slam with his Masters victory in 2025 and becoming just the third player to defend that title in the spring.
A win this week would see him join Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm on five Rolex Series victories and would also vault him to the top of the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World.
With Rankings leader Patrick Reed having withdrawn on Friday through injury, McIlroy, who lost ground on his American rival at last week's Amgen Irish Open, now has a golden chance to take a big step towards a record-equalling eighth Harry Vardon Trophy.
"I'm motivated regardless of who it is," said McIlroy. "Obviously Patrick and I have had quite the battles over years, whether it be Ryder Cup, final round in a Major, Dubai Desert Classic a few years ago.
"He's a great competitor and he's played great all year. I respect him for how he's went about it and coming through here he's put his head down and done the work and it's actually been really good to see.
"Unfortunately he's pulled out this week, which gives me an opportunity to try to claw back some ground that I lost last week in Ireland. This weekend is a big weekend for me to pick up a few points and make the race even tighter going into these last few weeks."
McIlroy, the 2014 champion, has an excellent record over the West Course, with three runner-up finishes and two further top tens in seven appearances since lifting the trophy.
In round two he birdied three of his first five holes and added two more gains with two dropped shots before a birdie-birdie finish in a 67 to get to eight under, four shots off the lead.
"I think I'm in a great spot heading into the weekend," he said. "Playing a bit better today than I did yesterday. I hit a lot more fairways. Felt like I drove the ball better. Gave myself a few more chances. Didn't feel like I was scrambling my way around most of the day today. Solid round and I'm in a good spot heading into the last two days."
