Rory McIlroy answered a two-shot penalty from Thursday with an 11-birdie, 9-under 63 at the Abu Dhabi Championship. He finished the second round at 11 under overall, back in contention after starting eight shots behind the lead.

By the Numbers
  • 11 birdies in Friday’s round
  • 9-under 63 on Friday; 11 under overall
  • Two-shot penalty after Thursday’s round
  • Francesco Laporta led by three strokes at 10 under for the day
Yes, But

McIlroy’s 63 put him in a much stronger position, but he expected to start Saturday at least two or three shots behind. He said the penalty was no longer weighing on him and that he could play with a clear conscience.

State of Play
  • Laporta held the lead, with Jon Rahm among three players three strokes back.
  • McIlroy credited better putting—after working with Brad Faxon the previous week—for helping fuel his recovery.
What's Next

McIlroy will try to keep pace with Laporta and the chasing group as the European tour’s two-week postseason playoffs continue.

Bottom Line

McIlroy turned a penalty setback into a charge back toward contention, but Laporta still set the pace heading into the weekend.