Rory McIlroy is heating up at just the right time. The world No. 2 fired a 4-under 67 on Friday at Quail Hollow to surge into contention at the Truist Championship, trailing 36-hole leader Sungjae Im by just four shots.

It wasn't all smooth sailing for McIlroy early on. Playing his first tournament since capturing his second green jacket at the Masters on April 12, he was stuck at 1 under and eight shots back as he made the turn. But then the magic happened. Birdies at Nos. 10 and 11 ignited a spark, and the Charlotte crowd—where McIlroy has won four times before—fueled his charge.

His approach shots started finding their marks, and he added birdies on 13, 15, and 16. Despite a tricky par putt lipping out on 18 after finding a greenside bunker, McIlroy shot a blistering 32 on the back nine. Even more impressive? He hit 14 straight greens in regulation, a personal course record.

"It was a good day to get myself back in the hunt," McIlroy said. "I started to make some good swings, especially with the irons. I played one tournament in seven weeks, so getting the reps under my belt and a scorecard in my hand makes a big difference. Your patterns on the course are always a bit different than on the range."

Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood matched McIlroy's 67 for the second straight day, sitting just one shot behind Im. Justin Thomas is two back alongside PGA Tour rookie Alex Fitzpatrick, brother of Matt Fitzpatrick. And Rickie Fowler stole the show with the round of the day—an 8-under 63 featuring nine birdies.

Cameron Young, a two-time winner this season, shot 70 and sits five shots back. Fleetwood summed it up perfectly: "It's just nice to even..."

The stage is set for a thrilling weekend at Quail Hollow, with McIlroy lurking and ready to strike. Will he add another chapter to his Charlotte legacy? Stay tuned.