McIlroy enters weekend contention at Truist Championship as Im retains lead

Rory McIlroy has re-entered the contention zone at the Truist Championship following a 4-under 67 on Friday at Quail Hollow. The world No. 2, who is competing in his first tournament since securing his second Masters title in April, finished four shots behind the 36-hole leader, Sungjae Im.

Im holds the lead at 9-under 133, playing while recovering from a wrist injury and seeking his first PGA Tour victory since 2021. Despite the physical challenge, the South Korean remains the primary benchmark for the field, having posted a 69 on the second day after opening with a 7-under 64.

McIlroy's performance was defined by exceptional approach play, as he recorded a personal course record of 14 greens in regulation. Birdies on holes 10, 11, 13, 15, and 16 provided the momentum needed to close the gap, although he lipped out a par putt on the 18th after finding a greenside bunker.

The field includes Tommy Fleetwood, who also posted a 67 to trail Im by one shot, while Justin Thomas and Alex Fitzpatrick sit two shots back. Thomas, who is recovering from herniated disk surgery, expressed confidence in his physical condition despite requesting a new putter from his Titleist representative due to frustration with his short game.

Rickie Fowler vaulted into the mix with an 8-under 63, while Cameron Young sits five shots back after shooting a 70. The tournament also saw a historic moment as Chandler Blanchet recorded a hole-in-one on the par-3 17th, marking the first ace on that hole since 2023.

McIlroy expressed confidence in his chances for the weekend, noting that the patterns on the course felt more familiar than on the practice range. His return to form comes as he navigates the schedule following his recent Masters triumph, with the focus now shifting to the final pairing against Im on Saturday.