McIlroy maintains early lead in six mln-dollar Honda Classic

Rory McIlroyJohannesburg, Mar 1 - Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy has taken a three-shot lead in the clubhouse during Friday's second round of the six million-dollar US PGA Honda Classic, stretching his early lead in the tournament.

The world number eight stood on 11-under 129 through 36 holes at PGA National with a our-under par 66 featuring a strong finish and three stokes ahead of American Russell Henley in the clubhouse and Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge, who had 13 holes remaining.

According to Sport24, the two-time major winner, who opened with an impressive bogey-free 63 on Thursday, won the event in 2012 to become a world number one for the first time in his career, but last year walked off the course complaining of toothache and mental fatigue.

England's Lee Westwood and Scotsman Russell Knox shared fourth on 133 in the clubhouse with Welshman Jamie Donaldson and American Ryan Palmer sharing sixth on 134 through 36 holes, the report added. (ANI)