Overview
- Rory McIlroy shot a second‑round 68 to reach two under after birdies on three of his last four holes, recovering from a rare whiff at the 14th to make the weekend.
- Daniel Rodrigues posted a 64 and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen a 66 to share the 36‑hole lead at nine under, leaving McIlroy seven shots back.
- Home favorite Min Woo Lee is one off the pace at eight under after a 65 that included a hole‑out eagle, with Adam Scott and Cameron Smith tied for fourth at seven under.
- McIlroy’s return has driven huge galleries and sold‑out weekend sessions, with organizers reporting tens of thousands on site over the first two days.
- Firming greens and shifting winds on Royal Melbourne’s composite layout have challenged scoring, and the winner earns a Masters berth as top finishers can secure Open Championship spots.