( CNN ) -- Rory McIlroy 's grip on the world number one spot in golf loosened Friday after a disastrous seven-over-par 79 at the European Tour 's PGA Championship at Wentworth saw the Northern Irishman miss the cut . McIlroy had cut a frustrated and angry figure during an opening 74 , but after a solid start to his second round he dropped a string of shots on the back nine . It opens the door for England 's Luke Donald , who needs to finish in the top-eight in the Tour 's flagship event to reclaim top spot . Donald , who is the defending champion , carded a second straight 68 to share second place on eight-under-par with Scot David Drysdale . They both trail runaway leader James Morrison who carded a superb eight-under 64 in calmer morning conditions to lead at halfway on 12-under 132 . McIlroy faced an uphill battle to make the cut , but had recovered to stand one-under for the day through the seventh . But a double bogey on the eighth started the rot and he proceeded to card five straight bogeys and another double bogey on the 15th . For the 23-year-old , who also missed the cut at the Players Championship on the PGA Tour , it is hardly ideal preparation for his defense of the U.S. Open title next month . `` It 's been a week I 'd like to forget . It 's not nice to play like this and not nice two weeks in a row . Maybe it 's a good thing I have two days off to practice and I 'm looking to getting back to the States next week , '' he told gathered reporters . Donald , who can benefit the most from McIlroy 's implosion , insisted that repeating his 2011 success on the Surrey course was his first priority . `` To be honest , the focus is always to try and win the tournament , '' he told the official European Tour website . Morrison , who lives nearby , is looking to add to his 2010 Madeira Open success and finished in fine style with an eagle . A fine all-round sportsman , he played in the England under-17 cricket team with current Test players Alastair Cook and Tim Bresnan , but has never regretted turning to golf full time . `` Playing golf is better than standing in the field all day , '' he jokingly told reporters . Peter Lawrie of Ireland and Spain 's Alvaro Quiros shared fourth spot on seven-under . World No.3 Lee Westwood was among a number of star players to struggle in blustery afternoon conditions and was right on the cut line at one-over 145 .
Rory McIlroy misses cut at European Tour PGA Championship at Wentworth . James Morrison slumps to a second round 132 on the West Course . Rory McIlroy in joint eighth after second straight 68 . James Morrison leads the way after superb second round 64 .