Off-key Rory McIlroy hangs in as Shane Lowry's woes continue

Rory McIlroy was far from his ball striking best throughout yesterday’s second round of the Players Championship at Sawgrass but he just about survived into the weekend’s after a round of 71 for an even par total of 144 that leaves him with an outside chance of challenging for the “fifth Major” over the weekend.

However, it was a difficult day for Shane Lowry who added a 76 to Thursday’s 74 to finish six over par and well outside the cut mark.

Graeme McDowell, the best placed of the Irish on one under after Thursday’s first round 71, stood five off the pace when three under through 10 holes, the lead enjoyed by former British Open champions Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa) and American JB Holmes, both eight under, with Kyle Stanley and Vijay Singh at seven under David Hearn and Rafa Cabrera Bello held the clubhouse lead at five under.