Rory McIlroy gives his honest opinion on the crowds at Bellerive during the BMW Championship

Photo by James Gilbert/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

Rory McIlroy posted a solid second round score of 69 on Friday at the BMW Championship.

McIlroy wasn’t quite as free-flowing on day two as he was during his first round at Bellerive.

However, the 37-year-old Northern Irishman did well to get into the clubhouse at one-under for the day, and seven-under for the tournament.

Rory McIlroy is sitting two shots adrift of the lead at the time of writing, and he’ll be more than happy with his position heading into the weekend at the BMW Championship.

Photo by James Gilbert/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

McIlroy showed signs of improvement during his opening round at the BMW Championship, after his struggles last week in Memphis.

However, his swing definitely wasn’t as locked in as he would have liked on day two at Bellerive, especially on the back nine.

Rory McIlroy comments on the crowds at Bellerive

McIlroy spoke to the media after his second round in St. Louis, Missouri, on Friday.

He was asked by one reporter what he has made of the fans at Bellerive this week.

Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images

“Yeah, they’re amazing. As I said yesterday, that’s one of the biggest things I remember from being here in 2018 for the PGA was just how many people showed up and what a great atmosphere it was to play in,“ the six-time major champion replied.

“Yeah, yesterday was amazing for a Thursday. Today, teeing off at 9:45 on a Friday morning and the people out there were incredible. Looking forward to more of the same over the weekend.“

McIlroy will undoubtedly get plenty of support over the weekend at Bellerive, regardless of who he is going up against.

Rory McIlroy’s stats on day two of the BMW Championship

McIlroy ranked fourth in strokes gained off the tee on day two of the BMW Championship.

He ranked eighth in putting, having gained 1.085 strokes on the field on the greens.

However, his iron play, chipping and pitching left a lot to be desired.

McIlroy was ranked 39th in strokes gained approach, having lost 0.947 strokes to the field in that department.

The Northern Irishman also lost strokes around the green (0.839), and was ranked 41st on day two in that category.

Rory McIlroy will undoubtedly have to tidy up his iron play and his short game if he is to have any chance of winning the BMW Championship this week.

However, whatever happens over the next two days, there have undoubtedly been huge signs of improvement from McIlroy.