Rory McIlroy 'happy with where I'm at' heading into BMW PGA Championship final weekend

​The Northern Ireland favourite returned to the course this week fresh from final-day frustration at Royal County Down in Newcastle as late bogeys proved decisive in his one-shot defeat to Rasmus Hojgaard.

Now McIlroy will start his third round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in England aiming to close the four-shot gap on leader Matthew Baldwin following yesterday’s 68 to add to his opening 67.

“Played very solid, didn't make a ton of mistakes, I had a couple of nice up-and-downs when I needed to,” said McIlroy. “It was nice to birdie two of the last three and get away with a par on 17, as well.

"Overall, happy with how I've finished the day, and you know, ready for the weekend.

"I'm happy with where I'm at...I could have been a little better but also I think it could have been a little worse, as well.

"I mean, four behind going into the weekend, not too many people between me and the lead...it's a good position to be in.

"So, you know, a couple of things I want to still try to work on over the next couple days but I'm happy to be where I'm at and feel like I gave myself another good chance to win this tournament.

"I just made a decision after The TOUR Championship that I needed to change a few things. Started just a little bit before the Irish Open and I've just tried to continue that."

And McIlroy made reference to the memorable scenes from Sunday in Newcastle as he walked down the 18th to the sound of home support offering encouragement.

"It's amazing…obviously last week, I don't know if there's anything that will compare to that scene on 18 on Sunday last week,” he said. “But the crowds out here for the first two days...it's incredible.

"It's a proper golf tournament, it's the way it's supposed to feel.

"And it's a pleasure to play in front of them in that atmosphere and looking forward to it for another two days."

Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin is sitting tied for 41st on three-under.