Rory McIlroy makes Patrick Reed respect claim after surging into BMW PGA contention

Rory McIlroy expressed his admiration for former Ryder Cup rival Patrick Reed after the Northern Irishman surged into contention at the halfway stage of the BMW PGA Championship.

McIlroy, 37, birdied his final two holes on Friday to card a 5-under 67 on the West Course at Wentworth Club. 

The reigning Masters champion is on 8-under overall, four strokes behind the leader, America's Ryan Gerard, at the halfway stage. 

McIlroy will have added motivation in the coming months as he goes head-to-head with his former on-course nemesis, Reed, for the Race to Dubai title.

Reed opened his account here with a 4-under 68 but was forced to withdraw during the second round after injuring has wrist.

The 36-year-old American was 9-over par for the day and 5-over for the championship when he decided to call it quits.

"Obviously Patrick and I have had quite the battles over years, whether it be Ryder Cup, final round in a major," said McIlroy. 

"He's a great competitor and he's played great all year. 

"I respect him for how he's went about it, and coming through here, he's put his head down and done the work, and it's actually been really good to see."

McIlroy was referring to the fact Reed decided not to renew his contract with LIV Golf in January. 

Reed wasn't eligible to return to the PGA Tour via the returning member programme and, although he has been reinstated by the North American circuit, will have to wait to make his comeback. 

He can improve his status next year if he claims one of 10 PGA Tour cards on offer via the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai standings. 

McIlroy added: "Unfortunately he's pulled out this week, which gives me an opportunity to try to claw back some ground that I lost last week in Ireland. 

"This weekend is a big weekend for me to pick up a few points and make the race even tighter going into these last few weeks."

McIlroy said he is optimistic about his fortunes this weekend. 

"Playing a bit better today than I did yesterday," he added. 

"I hit a lot more fairways. Felt like I drove the ball better. Gave myself a few more chances. 

"Didn't feel like I was scrambling my way around most of the day today. 

"Solid round and I'm in a good spot heading into the last two days."

After the first round, McIlroy said that he has gotten into some bad habits with his swing over the last six months. 

He believes it will take the same amount of time to iron them out before the 2027 men's major season begins. 

"I think with the conditions and it being blustery, it forces you not to think of a swing and to think of trajectory and sort of what you're trying to do with the ball," he said. 

"But you know, I've been doing this now for a few weeks, and I feel like I've got a good in-play feeling for what I'm trying to do or a good thought.

"Since I've been trying to make a couple of changes, I've played pretty good. 

"[I had] a couple of top fives to finish the PGA Tour season."

McIlroy added: "I actually felt like I hit the ball pretty well at The Irish Open last week. I just didn't putt particularly well.

"But I've seen some encouraging signs again this week, and at least I know I'm on the right path and heading in the right direction. 

"It's taken me five or six months to get into this habit. 

"It will probably take me the same amount of time to get out of it but I'm committed to doing that."