Summary McIlroy, seeking his second major title in a row after winning the British Open three weeks ago.
LOUISVILLE (AFP) - Top-ranked Rory McIlroy clung to a share of the second-round lead Friday at the rain-hit PGA Championship with Ryan Palmer, who birdied the last two holes to pull level.
Palmer, who began in the opening group during a heavy downpour, sank a 12-foot birdie putt at 17 and two-putted for birdie from 24 feet at the par-5 18th to fire a one-under 70 and reach the clubhouse on seven-under 135.
McIlroy, seeking his second major title in a row after winning the British Open three weeks ago at Royal Liverpool, had struggled early with a bogey at 12, but answered with a 12-foot birdie putt at 13 and a 16-foot birdie putt at 15.
The 25-year-old Northern Ireland star seized a two-stroke lead with an eagle at the par-5 18th, putting his approach short of the green but holing out from 32 feet to reach eight-under.
McIlroy found the rough and a greenside bunker at the second and missed a 12-foot par putt to fall back.
Britain's Lee Westwood and American Kevin Chappell, both on six-under after 65s on Thursday, were set for afternoon starts.
A pack two strokes off the pace included Canada's Graham DeLaet, Americans Steve Stricker and Jim Furyk, Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Italy's Edoardo Molinari.
Former world number one Tiger Woods was set for an afternoon start as well, hoping to improve on an opening 74 as he fights to make the cut.
