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Sungjae Im leads as Rory McIlroy makes Friday charge at Truist Championship
TL;DR
Sungjae Im leads the Truist Championship at 9-under 133, while Rory McIlroy climbs to contention with a 4-under 67, four shots behind. McIlroy's strong back nine performance included multiple birdies, showcasing a return to form.
Key points
- Sungjae Im leads the Truist Championship at 9-under 133
- Rory McIlroy shot a 4-under 67 on Friday
- McIlroy is four shots behind the leader
- He made birdies on Nos. 10, 11, 13, 15, and 16
- McIlroy's last major win was at the Masters on April 12
Mentioned in this story
Quail HollowAugusta National
Sungjae ImRory McIlroyTruist ChampionshipMasters
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It took 27 holes, but Rory McIlroy started to return to his Masters form.
The No. 2 player in the world heated up on the back nine Friday at Quail Hollow and finished with a 4-under 67 to climb into contention at the Truist Championship, four shots behind 36-hole leader Sungjae Im, who was at 9-under 133.
Playing his first tournament since winning the green jacket for a second time on April 12 at Augusta National, McIlroy was 1 under and buried on the leaderboard eight shots back when he made the turn.
But birdies at No. 10 and 11 got him rolling and he seemed to feed off the energy from the crowd, just as he’s done in his previous four wins in Charlotte, where he has a large following.
McIlroy’s approach shots got closer and closer, and he added birdies on Nos. 13, 15 and 16. He shot 32 on the back nine despite lipping out his par putt on the par-4 18th hole after finding a greenside bunker.
“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.
At one point, 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.”
McIlroy isn’t the only big name in contention.
Tommy Fleetwood shot 67 for the second straight day and trailed Im by one shot. Justin Thomas was two back along with PGA Tour newcomer Alex Fitzpatrick, the brother of Matt Fitzpatrick.
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Q&A
What is the current leaderboard at the Truist Championship?
Sungjae Im leads with a score of 9-under 133, while Rory McIlroy is four shots back at 5-under 134.
How did Rory McIlroy perform on Friday at the Truist Championship?
Rory McIlroy shot a 4-under 67, including a strong back nine performance with birdies on Nos. 10, 11, 13, 15, and 16.
What was Rory McIlroy's position before his back nine performance?
Before his back nine, Rory McIlroy was 1 under and eight shots back on the leaderboard.
When did Rory McIlroy last win a major tournament?
Rory McIlroy last won a major tournament on April 12, when he claimed his second Masters title at Augusta National.