Rory McIlroy makes 11 birdies Friday in Abu Dhabi, ‘didn’t dwell’ on penalty

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Rory McIlroy rebounded from his first-round penalty controversy by making 11 birdies and shooting 9-under 63 at the Abu Dhabi Championship on Friday.

The Masters champion was 11 under after two rounds at Yas Links, one shot back of co-leaders Tyrrell Hatton (65), Jon Rahm (67) and Francesco Laporta (70).

“The course is very gettable today, there’s not a lot of wind. A lot of opportunities,” McIlroy said. “I would say I’ll be at least two or three behind going into tomorrow. But it’s still in a much better position than I thought I would be.”

On Thursday, McIlroy was handed a two-shot penalty after his first round when officials ruled he had improved his lie on a hole where he made double bogey. He posted a 2-under 70 to be eight shots off the lead, held by Francesco Laporta.

“Before I left the course, I made peace with it. I didn’t dwell on it,” McIlroy said Friday. “I’d much rather be two shots worse off than be called a cheat. At least I went out today (and) it wasn’t playing on my mind. I had a clear conscience and I could just go and play.”

The Northern Irishman’s second round started with a bogey but he made three birdies through the next six holes before five straight birdies from No. 9.

McIlroy’s second bogey — on the 14th — was followed by three birdies on the final four holes.

“I did everything well. I drove the ball well. I hit my irons well. I putted a little bit better,” he said. “I saw a few more putts go in, which is something that I haven’t been seeing for the last couple months.”

He said he worked on his putting last week with Brad Faxon.

With two events remaining on the DP World Tour season schedule, McIlroy is chasing Eugenio Chacarra, who stands atop the Race to Dubai. Chacarra is currently T-38, nine off the lead.

Patrick Reed, who is sandwiched between the two in RTD points, is T-57 at 1 over.

McIlroy is looking to tie Colin Montgomerie for most RTD (Order of Merit) titles in DP World Tour history with eight.