McIlroy closes gap on Reed with second-place finish at BMW PGA

Rory McIlroy secured a tied-second finish at the BMW PGA Championship on Sunday, significantly narrowing the gap to Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed, who withdrew earlier in the tournament due to a hand injury. McIlroy shot a final-round 68 to finish at 15-under par, two shots behind winner JJ Spaun at Wentworth. The result earned McIlroy 532 points, reducing Reed's lead in the season-long standings to 307.76 points. McIlroy entered the final round two shots off the lead and felt a score of 16 or 17-under would be needed to win. He birdied the 17th hole but missed a birdie putt on the 18th, finishing at 15-under. "I had my chances out there. I putted okay for the most part this week but I missed a lot of putts," McIlroy told reporters. "I wish I had some of those putts back but I have to be encouraged with where my game is at." Reed, who leads the Race to Dubai, withdrew after the second round with a hand injury, creating an opportunity for McIlroy to gain ground. Despite not overtaking Reed, McIlroy's performance kept him firmly in contention for a record-eighth Race to Dubai title, which would match Colin Montgomerie's record.