2025 Players Championship - Rory McIlroy in Contention at TPC Sawgrass Heading into Weekend

During the week, a heckler took his frustrations out on Rory McIlroy. On Friday, McIlroy did the same to the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.

The world No. 2 signed for a 68 after his second round and navigated Pete Dye's masterpiece until late in the round when he found a bit of trouble. He shared the lead at times on Friday before settling in on a 9-under through the first 36 holes of the 2025 Players Championship.

McIlroy is two back of Min Woo Lee and the charging Akshay Bhatia on the leaderboard.

On Thursday, McIlroy hit just four of 14 fairways en route to a final 5-under 67, but couldn't be matched off the tee. He hit 11 fairways with a variety of shots and a level of patience that has grown since the beginning of the season.

"Much better. Hit it much better off the tee," McIlroy said. "I think I hit more fairways in six holes today than I did in 18 yesterday. Yeah, got it in play much better and then from there was able to give myself some opportunities and obviously make some birdies early. Couldn't quite continue that on to the back nine, but it was much better off the tee."

Full of confidence, McIlroy seems brewing with confidence as he enters the weekend in full contention at the legendary TPC Sawgrass. 

"I'm looking forward to it," McIlroy said. "I think it's going to be really important to try to flight your ball and keep it under the tree line. I think, once it gets above the tree line here, it can start to really get hit by it. And it does swirl a little bit, but I think when the wind is so strong it will be a little more consistent. But yeah, this course is challenging enough, but with a wind like that, yeah, I'm excited for that challenge."

After a 67-68 Thursday and Friday, McIlroy is poised to charge on Saturday and Sunday.