McIlroy on the rise at US PGA

Defending champion Rory McIlroy was right back in contention at the US PGA Championship as halfway leader Jason Dufner fell foul of a tough opening stretch in the final major of the year.

McIlroy had been heading for a second consecutive missed cut in major championships when he stood five over for 11 holes of his second round on Friday, but the former world number one birdied four of the next six to finish level par.

He was still level for the tournament after 12 holes today but birdied the 13th, holed from 50ft for another on the 17th and then chipped in on the 18th to card a 67 and set the clubhouse target on three under.

``I probably made up at least three, three and a half shots on those last two holes,'' said McIlroy, who has been watching videos of his eight-shot win last year for inspiration after carding just one top-three finish so far in 2013. His victory at Kiawah Island was one of five in 2012.

“It’s getting there. It was good to feel the sort of rush again. I felt it a bit in San Antonio this year (where he finished second to Martin Laird). Making a birdie on 17 is like an eagle and then to follow it up with another on the last is even better.

“I knew they were going to toughen the golf course up today. I sort of thought two 65s would still have a chance, 10 under par. But the way the conditions are with the swirling wind, it’s tricky out there. I felt like I still had a chance.

“Every time I’m in that position I just think back to Quail Hollow a few years ago and what I did on the weekend there (winning with rounds of 66 and 62). It gives me a bit confidence knowing that I’ve been in that position before and I’ve been able to win.

“I know this is a major championship and it’s a bit different, but I felt good enough about my game that I could go out there and post a good one today and at least give myself a chance going into tomorrow.”

Asked if he knew that the leaders had been struggling, McIlroy added: “Yes, very aware. I’m going to enjoy watching this afternoon.”