As the Truist Championship unfolds at Philadelphia Cricket Club, Rory McIlroy finds himself five strokes behind the leader, Keith Mitchell, heading into the weekend. After two rounds, McIlroy is tied for fourth place at seven under par, having carded six birdies and three bogeys on Friday, May 9, 2025. The Northern Irishman’s performance has put him in a competitive position, but he’ll need to step up his game to defend his title.
Shane Lowry, the Irish golfer, is hot on the heels of Mitchell, sitting alone in second place at 12 under par after an impressive round of 65, the lowest of the day. Meanwhile, Austria’s Sepp Straka rounds out the top three at 10 under, showcasing a strong performance in challenging conditions.
“Even when I feel like I haven’t played my best, I find a way,” McIlroy shared with the official PGA Tour website, reflecting on his ability to remain competitive despite some inconsistencies in his game. He acknowledged making some “uncharacteristic mistakes” during his rounds but remains optimistic about his chances as the tournament progresses. With a current score of 66-67, McIlroy is certainly in the mix to challenge for the title over the weekend.
Keith Mitchell has made headlines by setting a new course record with a stunning nine-under-par 61 in the first round, followed by a solid three-under 67 in the second round, keeping him at the top of the leaderboard. His performance has been characterized by exceptional putting, gaining an impressive +2.84 strokes per round in that area. However, he did lose 1.84 strokes with his irons on Friday, hinting at potential vulnerabilities as the tournament continues.
The Truist Championship has drawn attention not only for its competitive field but also for the backdrop of McIlroy's recent form. Since stepping back from discussions regarding a potential partnership between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, McIlroy has seen a significant uptick in his performance. He recently clinched his fifth Major title at the Masters in April and secured a second Players Championship victory, demonstrating his ability to thrive under pressure.
“I think so,” McIlroy stated when asked if there was a correlation between his improved form and his decision to step back from the politics surrounding professional golf. “I want to play golf, and the reason I got into this game was to shoot scores and try to play the best golf possible.” His focus on the game rather than the politics seems to be paying off, as he heads into the weekend with a chance to reclaim his title.
The atmosphere at Philadelphia Cricket Club is electric as fans eagerly anticipate the weekend rounds. Betting enthusiasts are also getting in on the action, with various 2-ball matchups set for Saturday. Notably, McIlroy will face off against Collin Morikawa in a marquee matchup, with odds favoring Morikawa at +130. This matchup is particularly intriguing given McIlroy's struggles from tee to green, where he has lost -0.3 strokes per round, while Morikawa has gained +1.17 strokes in that area.
In another matchup, Si Woo Kim is favored at -120 against Akshay Bhatia, with Kim leading the field in strokes gained: tee-to-green. Bhatia, however, has shown strong putting performance, gaining +1.49 strokes in that category. The dynamics of these matchups will add an extra layer of excitement as players vie for position on the leaderboard.
As fans look ahead to Saturday’s action, the competition is heating up. Shane Lowry, who has been exceptional in strokes gained approach, is set to take on Mitchell, who is currently leading the tournament. Lowry’s consistency with his irons and putting could make for an interesting duel as he seeks to capitalize on any potential slip-ups from Mitchell.
With the weekend looming, McIlroy and the rest of the field have their work cut out for them. The question remains: can McIlroy find a way to improve his ball striking and make a run at the title? As he puts it, “I think that’s when I talk about being a more complete golfer, if one part of my game isn’t on, then I can maybe lean into another part.”
The Truist Championship is shaping up to be a thrilling weekend of golf, with plenty of storylines to follow. Fans will be watching closely to see if McIlroy can overcome the challenges and make a charge toward the top of the leaderboard, or if Mitchell can maintain his lead and secure the victory.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the Philadelphia Cricket Club, where the stakes are high and the competition fierce. With top players vying for the championship, the excitement is palpable, and the outcome remains uncertain.
