Shane Lowry gave his Ryder Cup hopes a major boost as he carded a 66 to move himself right into the mix on day two of the 2021 BMW PGA Championship.
The Irishman entered the week at Wentworth Golf Club in an automatic qualification spot for Padraig Harrington's team but also as potentially the most likely man to drop out should results not go his way, admitting on Wednesday that his rivals would be "gunning" for him.
A host of scenarios could still play out over the West Course before the week is out but after adding a 66 to his opening 70, Lowry was within touching distance of the leaders after 36 holes.
A strong performance could also enhance Lowry's chances of a captain's pick on Sunday night should he require one but the 2019 Champion Golfer of the Year was keeping his focus on his game and aiming for a second Rolex Series title.
"It's good, isn't it?" he said. "Coming here with a little bit of pressure on me needing to perform and play well and I've done that the first two days.
"I'm pretty happy to be honest. Yesterday I came off the golf course feeling like I probably should have shot better than two under.
"I know 66 is pretty good around here but I probably could have shot a couple lower but eight under into the weekend, under the circumstances, I'm pretty happy with that.
"I'm trying to focus on my own game. I'm pretty happy with what I've shown.
"Obviously I want to make the team automatically. I think I've played some really good golf over the last few months to put my hat in for a pick on Sunday evening if I do need one.
"I'm here to win the golf tournament. Obviously I'm here to make the Ryder Cup team as well but I really feel like this course, it doesn't owe me anything because I've had some great results around here, but I'd love to win this tournament because it's just so big.
"It would be great to be standing on that 18th green on Sunday with that trophy."
Playing partner Lee Westwood is also currently heading to Whistling Straits but is another player whose position could come under threat over the weekend.
The reigning Race to Dubai champion was four under after a second consecutive 70 which saw him come home in 33 but with ten previous Ryder Cup appearances, he was taking it all in his stride.
"I'm here to try and win the BMW PGA Championship and Sunday night, if you're in the team, then you start thinking about the Ryder Cup," he said.
"You can see how players are reacting to it out on the golf course. You know there's people right in there and they are shooting scores where clearly they have got other things on their mind.
"I've played with Shane, he's managed to block everything out well and play well, and Shane Lowry is the kind of player that you want on your Ryder Cup Team. I'm pleased to see him play well."
