CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Rory McIlroy celebrated his 23rd birthday with a second-round 68 at the Wells Fargo Championship.
He’s looking to add another Quail Hollow victory to his resume, after notching his maiden PGA Tour victory in Charlotte two years ago.
After rounds of 70-68, McIlroy is T-11 halfway through play on Friday, but disappointed with his quality of play.
Video: McIlroy’s swing at 23 and when he was 3
“I haven’t felt like I’ve had anything near my best the last couple days,” McIlroy said. “But I’ve been able to get it around, and to be 6 under through two rounds is pretty good, considering the way I’ve hit the ball.”
McIlroy only hit seven fairways in his second round but still managed 14 greens.
Today may be his birthday, but his priorities this week are on his golf.
“I don’t have much going on (tonight for my birthday),” McIlroy said. “Probably just go out for a nice dinner and take it easy and get ready for tomorrow.”
A win this week would give McIlroy four PGA Tour titles and the opportunity to take back the No. 1 ranking from Luke Donald. McIlroy can regain the top spot with a T-7 finish if he shares it with only one other player.
The only man who can interfere with McIlroy’s ascension is Lee Westwood. If Westwood wins and McIlroy finishes outside the top 6, Westwood would become the new world No. 1.
Lee Westwood is going off in the afternoon wave Friday, where he begins the day 1 under, 11 back of Nick Watney who holds the 36-hole lead.