Fleetwood Lurks One Back as Quail Hollow Heats Up Before PGA Championship

The Englishman Is Knocking on the Door

Tommy Fleetwood is doing exactly what you want to see heading into a major championship week — playing composed, confident golf with his putter behaving itself. The 35-year-old Englishman posted his second consecutive four-under 67 on Friday at Quail Hollow, and he'll head into the weekend sitting just one shot behind leader Sungjae Im at the Truist Championship.

Fleetwood's round was a model of steady ball-striking, featuring five birdies against a single bogey. It's the kind of scorecard that doesn't scream for attention but absolutely demands respect. Since capturing his first PGA Tour title back in August 2025, Fleetwood has carried himself with a new level of belief, and it's showing in every fairway he splits.

Im, meanwhile, continues to do what Im does best — grind out solid rounds without much fanfare. His two-under 69 on Friday wasn't flashy, but it kept him at the top at nine under par. The South Korean has been one of the most consistent players on Tour for years now, and he's proving again why he's such a tough out in these no-cut events.

McIlroy Finds His Rhythm After Strange Start

Rory McIlroy had one of the more bizarre opening rounds we've seen from an elite player — 17 consecutive pars before finally making some noise. But whatever was holding him back on Thursday clearly loosened its grip on Friday.

The Masters champion went out and fired a four-under 67 of his own, sandwiching six birdies between a pair of bogeys at the second and 18th holes. McIlroy now sits at five under par, four shots back but very much in the conversation heading into the weekend.

With the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club just around the corner — we're talking next week, folks — McIlroy's timing couldn't be better. He's finding his scoring touch at exactly the right moment, and you have to imagine he's feeling good about his form with a chance to defend his major title on the horizon.

Fowler Goes Low With Round of the Day

Now here's a story worth watching. Rickie Fowler absolutely caught fire on Friday, carding a stunning eight-under 63 that was four shots better than anyone else managed all day. That's the kind of round that reminds you why Fowler was once considered one of the most exciting players in the game.

The American poured in nine birdies to climb from outside the top 50 all the way into a tie for eighth at five under. What makes it even more impressive? He shot 74 on Thursday. We're talking an 11-shot swing in 24 hours. That's the definition of a bounce-back.

Fowler now finds himself alongside McIlroy and first-round leader Matt McCarty, who went the opposite direction with a 74 after his opening 63. Golf is a funny game sometimes.

Fitzpatrick Brothers Going in Different Directions

One of the more intriguing subplots at Quail Hollow involves the Fitzpatrick brothers. Alex Fitzpatrick is having himself a week, sitting at seven under par alongside Justin Thomas, just two shots off the pace. Meanwhile, older brother Matt — the world number three — is struggling at two over par, nine shots behind Alex.

It's not often we see the younger Fitzpatrick outperforming Matt by this margin, but Alex has been playing solid golf, and the no-cut format gives him a full weekend to make noise.

Other Notable Positions

• Harry Hall (England): Four under par, quietly putting together a solid week
• Justin Rose (England): One under par, grinding to find form
• Xander Schauffele (USA): Even par, the Olympic champion needs a weekend push
• Robert MacIntyre (Scotland): Two over par, not his best week

The Takeaway

This Truist Championship is shaping up beautifully as a PGA Championship tune-up. Fleetwood looks ready to contend on any stage, McIlroy is finding his scoring boots at the perfect time, and Fowler just reminded everyone he can still go low when the putter heats up. With 36 holes left at Quail Hollow before the caravan moves to Aronimink, expect these big names to be jockeying for position — and momentum — all weekend long.