Rory McIlroy has made his long-awaited return to PGA Tour action at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow, his first appearance since claiming the 2026 Masters in early April. After a sluggish opening round, the Northern Irishman produced a brilliant second-round display, carding a four-under 67 to sit at -5, just four strokes adrift of the lead.
He stepped away from his shot in frustration, prompting McIlroy to shout “hey” at those responsible, while Rose made a “be quiet” gesture to the crowd. A spotter swiftly called out, “Quiet, please.”
Rose, who had furiously slammed his club during a heated moment on Thursday at Quail Hollow, ended the day at -1, eight shots behind pacesetter Im Sung-hae from the Republic of Korea. Tommy Fleetwood (-8) and Adam Fitzpatrick (-7) completed the top four.
Rose, the 2013 US Open champion, continues his quest for a second major title. Following the 2026 Masters, McIlroy revealed he looks to the 45-year-old Rose’s career as a model for his own ambitions. “What he [Rose] is doing at his age is incredible, and I think everyone would love to see him get another major, because I think he deserves it,” McIlroy told Sky Sports.
“What Rose is doing is sort of the blueprint for me. I feel like I can look at him and see myself competing at the highest level when I’m that age, as well.”
McIlroy’s third round effectively ended his prospects of securing a fifth title at the renowned North Carolina course. He sits on just one under par after 54 holes and is currently 13 shots adrift of leader Alex Fitzpatrick.
This followed a day after he spoke so encouragingly about his second-round display. “It was a solid day,” McIlroy said. “I wouldn’t say I played a lot better than yesterday, but I scored a little bit better.
“I started to make some good swings, especially with the irons,” he added. “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.”