Rory McIlroy's season of almosts could turn a new page this weekend at the 2024 BMW PGA Championship. Following up a 5-under 67 in Round 1 with a 68 on Friday, the world No. 3 sits in a share of fourth place at 9 under and four off the pace of 36-hole leader Matthew Baldwin.

On Friday, the No. 363-ranked journeyman from England was the second-round leader by two strokes at the flagship event on the European tour and preparing himself for the biggest weekend of his career.

The 38-year-old Baldwin shot 6-under 66 to set an unexpectedly hot pace at the BMW PGA Championship at 13 under, which tied the prestigious tournament’s 36-hole record. Many of Europe's top players – including Rory McIlroy, who shot 68 to be four strokes off the lead – were having a hard time getting near him.