RORY POPS INTO VIEW
McIlroy makes a move as Tour conduct tests
Rory McIlroy parked the PGA Tour’s coronavirus setback to motor into contention on moving day at the RBC Heritage.
The world No.1 was one of the players to have encountered Nick Watney on Friday shortly before the American tested positive and withdrew from the event in South Carolina.
The Tour, who are only two events into their comeback, last night confirmed 11 tests were conducted on Friday among those who “may have had close contact with Nick Watney”, with all 11 being negative.
Despite the off-course events overshadowing the tournament at Hilton Head, McIlroy had no problem finding the zone as a five-under 66 parachuted the Northern Irishman to 10 under.
McIlroy said he had not had a Covid test after Watney’s result but would continue to take the necessary precautions.
He said: “No I didn’t, I didn’t feel like I was in close enough proximity. I saw him on the putting green, we kept our distance.
“I don’t think anyone was blind to the fact someone would catch the virus and it is a shame
they did but it is one case and as long as it is contained to that, we move forward.
“We’re still in the middle of a pandemic, I think we’ve done really well to start up again.
“I’ve enquired the last two weeks about working out somewhere but I haven’t felt comfortable doing it. I’m doing all my workouts at home.
“Harry (Diamond, his caddie) quarantined at my house for two weeks before we came on the road and we’ve been eating in the house as much as we can or eating at the clubhouse. The only time we go out is at the start of the week to get groceries.”
McIlroy carded six birdies, including four on his back nine, with his one dropped shot coming at the par-four 13th.
He said: “I’ve been a little bit more decisive and committed off the tee in the last two days.
“Much better. I need to try keep doing that with the same game plan.”
Justin Rose joins him on 10 under after a 66, although both will have work to do after last week’s winner Daniel Berger and Carlos Ortiz carded 63s early in the day to return to the clubhouse on 14 under.