On a fluctuating day at the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course, Keith Mitchell demonstrated grit and focus, posting a 3-under 67 to keep a slender one-shot lead heading into the weekend rounds of the Truist Championship.
Mitchell, who set an impressive high with a 61 in the first round, countered two bogeys with five birdies. His performance included a three-hole birdie stretch on Nos. 3-5, giving him a 12-under total. The Philadelphia course was softened by overnight rain, transitioning from the previous day’s near-perfect conditions to a testier 7,100-yard, par-70 track that challenged the field on Friday.
Shane Lowry, unfazed by the changed weather, matched the day’s low score with a 5-under 65, placing him second at 11-under. Sepp Straka was close behind with a consistent 67.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy showed resilience with a 3-under 67, joining a competitive group at 7-under. This cluster included Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay, both also carding 67, while Collin Morikawa managed a 70.
Mitchell, with only one previous Tour victory, leads after the second round for the fourth occasion in his career, suggesting an evolving confidence and strategic acumen. He adeptly handled setbacks, immediately answering bogeys with birdies, adjusting his club selection rather than his bold strategy.
Lowry started strong with four birdies in his first eight holes, shaking off a bogey at the 10th with a remarkable 53-foot birdie putt on the 11th, concluding with another birdie on the 15th.
McIlroy’s round was peppered with six birdies and three bogeys, demonstrating his long-putt prowess. His tactical aggression on the greens showcased several long-distance successes, making for a total of 126 1/2 feet of putts. His sights are set beyond this competition as he prepares for next week’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, where he’s multiple times victorious in Truist history.
