Sungjae Im holds the lead at the Truist Championship after the second round. Rory McIlroy is four shots behind, following a strong performance on Friday.
McIlroy Finds Form at Quail Hollow
Rory McIlroy, playing his first tournament since winning at Augusta National, shot a 4-under 67. McIlroy started slowly but heated up on the back nine at Quail Hollow.
After making the turn at 1-under, McIlroy recorded birdies at Nos. 10 and 11. He added further birdies on Nos. 13, 15 and 16. McIlroy shot 32 on the back nine, despite a bogey on the 18th.
“It was a good day to get myself back in the hunt and feel like I have a real chance going into the weekend,” McIlroy said.
McIlroy hit 14 straight greens in regulation, a personal course record. “I started to make some good swings, especially with the irons,” McIlroy said. “I played one tournament in seven weeks, so I think just getting the reps under my belt a little bit and getting a scorecard in my hand. I feel like your patterns on the golf course are always a little bit different than your patterns on the range, or it is for me anyway.”
Fleetwood and Others in Contention
Tommy Fleetwood shot his second consecutive 67 and is one shot behind Im. Justin Thomas is two shots back. Alex Fitzpatrick, brother of Matt Fitzpatrick, is also two back.
Rickie Fowler shot the day’s low round, an 8-under 63 with nine birdies, vaulting himself into contention. Cameron Young shot 70 and is five shots back.
Fleetwood said, “It’s just nice to even get a couple of days where you have something to show for your work, I guess. Just a nice reminder that it will come good at some point if you keep doing the right things. So that’s been great. I just hope it continues.” Fleetwood will play in the final pairing with Im on Saturday.
Im Seeks First Win Since 2021
Im is looking for his first tour win since 2021. He followed an opening round 7-under 64 with a 69.
“I know this course very well, so I’m taking advantage of that,” Im said. “And then the scrambling, because of the play with the Presidents Cup, I know where to miss the greens, I’m very familiar with this golf course. But I didn’t putt very well today, b
Im hopes to change his fortunes after battling a wrist injury this season.