BMW Championship: Rory McIlroy falls off pace after tough second round

Initial coverage from BBC and Sky Sports on August 21 reported that Rory McIlroy fell off the pace during the second round of the BMW Championship at Bellerive. This followed an opening 64 and a second-round 69, which the player compared during post-round discussions. ESPN and Golfweek provided accompanying leaderboard data and highlight reels detailing his slide in the standings.

Subsequent reports from August 22 indicate a shift in performance, with Sky Sports noting a five-under par third round that moved McIlroy back into contention. The PGA Tour and GOLF.com attribute this turnaround to specific adjustments, including a unique training aid, a new rehearsal routine, and a refined grip technique described as helping him hit various shot types. BBC now identifies him as holding second place.

While early reporting focused on his struggle to maintain momentum, the most recent updates confirm he has improved his position. There is no contradiction between these reports; rather, they document the chronological progression from his second-round difficulty to his third-round recovery.