Overview
- Rory McIlroy shot a three-under 68, rebounding from an air swing and bogey at the 14th with birdies at 15, 17 and 18 to reach two under overall.
- Daniel Rodrigues and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen share the 36-hole lead at nine under after rounds of 64 and 66, with Min Woo Lee one stroke back at eight under.
- Adam Scott and Cameron Smith sit at seven under after rounds of 66 and 65, with Smith halting a run of seven consecutive missed cuts.
- Massive galleries and sold-out weekend sessions followed McIlroy’s return under a multi-year commitment that has boosted the event’s profile.
- The winner secures a 2026 Masters exemption, with additional Open Championship spots available to top finishers not already exempt.