McIlroy plays through as pack chases Stricker

Aug 12, 2011, 19:33 GMT

Atlanta, Georgia - Rory McIlroy played Friday in the second round of the PGA Championship despite concerns over a wrist that he injured a day earlier.

With an even score heading into the round, McIlroy bogeyed his first hole and ended up shooting a three-over 73. His low point came on the par three 17 when he hit a shot into the water and three-putted for a triple bogey.

'It felt OK,' said the 22-year-old reigning US Open champion about the wrist he hurt while swinging at a ball that had settled on a tree root. 'It's uncomfortable but probably more mentally than anything as it's always in the back of your mind.

'It was a frustrating day. If it wasn't a major, I probably would have stopped yesterday,' he said after the round that included another three birdies and the same number of bogeys.

Defending champion Martin Kaymer was also three over on the day, but at plus five for the event he is currently on the other side of the projected cut-line, which is at plus four.

Leader Steve Stricker has just started at the Atlanta Athletic club, and he has suffered his first bogey of the week after three putting on the third hole.

Jerry Kelly, who just began the day at five under, is just one behind, but the 44-year-old American leader, who has never won a major tournament, is also trailed by a group of players within striking distance.

Two behind Stricker, DA Points is in the clubhouse already after shooting a 67 on Friday.

'It's a very demanding golf course,' said Points, who won his first title earlier this year and is playing in only his second PGA Championship. 'These first two rounds are the best I have struck it in the last year.'

Denmark's Anders Hansen is also finished at three under, while a pair of still-playing Australians, Adam Scott and John Senden, also are giving chase at four and three under respectively. Veteran Scott Verplank has just begun his round at three under as well.

Tiger Woods went through his first five holes on Friday with four pars and a bogey, which will make the task of the former number one player to make the cut even harder.

Woods, who shot a 77 yesterday, is now plus eight, while Darren Clarke, who won his first major at last month's British Open, is definitely heading home after shooting plus 14 over the two days.

Shaun Michael, who posted a 66 yesterday, had a 12 stroke swing on Friday to go eight over, including a six-hole stretch where he scored four bogeys and two double bogeys.