Key Takeaways
- Rory McIlroy fired a 4‑under 67 in the second round, moving into contention just four shots behind 36‑hole leader Sungjae Im.
- McIlroy’s back‑nine surge featured a personal‑course record 14 consecutive greens in regulation and birdies on holes 10, 11, 13, 15 and 16.
- Rickie Fowler posted the day’s low round of 8‑under 63, highlighted by nine birdies, vaulting himself into the leaderboard mix.
- Sungjae Im, despite a less‑than‑stellar putting day, held the outright lead at 9‑under after a 69 in round two, benefitting from his intimate knowledge of Quail Hollow.
- Justin Thomas continued his comeback from back surgery, posting a 67 and saying he feels “close” to his best form.
- Chandler Blanchet aced the par‑3 17th, marking only the fourth hole‑in‑one on that hole in tournament history.
Rory McIlroy’s second round at the Truist Championship was a clear sign that the Masters champion is finding his rhythm again. After a sluggish start that left him eight shots off the lead at the turn, McIlroy found his stride on the back nine, carding a 32‑under‑par stretch that included birdies on holes 10, 11, 13, 15 and 16. His iron play was particularly sharp; he noted that after only one tournament in seven weeks, getting back into the rhythm of a scorecard helped him translate range work to the course. The highlight of his round came on the 15th hole, where a 236‑yard approach set up a tap‑in birdie. McIlroy also set a personal course record by hitting 14 consecutive greens in regulation, a testament to his improved ball‑striking. Although he missed a par putt on the 18th after finding a greenside bunker, finishing with a 4‑under 67 left him just four strokes behind leader Sungjae Im and firmly in contention for the weekend.
Rickie Fowler stole the headlines with the day’s lowest round, an 8‑under 63 that featured nine birdies and only one bogey. Fowler’s aggressive putting and crisp short game allowed him to capitalize on scoring opportunities that eluded many of his peers. The performance moved him into a strong position on the leaderboard and reminded fans of the flashy, birdie‑laden golf that has defined his career. Fellow contender Cameron Young, a two‑time PGA TOUR winner this season, posted a solid 70 to sit five shots back, while Tommy Fleetwood, despite admitting he wasn’t at his best, managed a respectable round that kept him within striking distance. Fleetwood emphasized the mental benefit of seeing tangible results from his work, noting that persistence will eventually pay off.
Sungjae Im maintained his grip on the 36‑hole lead, carding a 69 in round two to finish at 9‑under overall. The South Korean acknowledged that his putting was not at its peak, but he credited his deep familiarity with Quail Hollow—gained from frequent practice and past Presidents Cup experience—for enabling him to navigate the course efficiently. Im’s ability to miss greens in advantageous spots and scramble effectively kept him ahead of the pack, even as his rivals chased him. He expressed optimism that his health, after battling a wrist injury earlier in the season, will allow him to contend for his first TOUR victory since 2021.
Justin Thomas continued his resurgence following back surgery, shooting a 67 and saying he feels “close” to his best form. Thomas, who won the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in 2017, noted that his physical condition has improved steadily over the past few weeks, and he is beginning to trust his swing again. Although a missed birdie putt on the 18th prevented him from posting back‑to‑back 67s, his round left him just a few strokes off the lead and reinforced his belief that a strong weekend is within reach.
One of the most memorable moments of the round came from Chandler Blanchet, who aced the par‑3 17th hole. The hole‑in‑one was only the fourth in the tournament’s history and the first since Mark Hubbard’s ace in 2023. Blanchet’s feat added excitement to an already leaderboard‑packed day and highlighted the unpredictability that makes golf compelling.
As the field heads into the weekend, the Truist Championship promises a tight battle. McIlroy’s resurgence, Fowler’s hot putter, Im’s steady lead, and the lingering threats from Young, Fleetwood, Thomas and others set up a compelling finish. With several players capable of posting low scores, the final two rounds will likely be decided by who can maintain consistency, handle the pressure, and capitalize on the scoring opportunities that Quail Hollow presents.