PGA Tour Makes Rory McIlroy Revelation on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 7:30 AM ET

The 2025 Travelers Championship is in full swing at TPC River Highlands, and while the leaderboard is led by big names like Tommy Fleetwood, Scottie Scheffler, and Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy isn’t far behind.

The world No. 2 battled back after a rough start in Friday’s second round, carding a one-over 71 to finish at 5-under overall, just four shots off the lead. Despite three bogeys in his opening four holes, McIlroy rallied with birdies on 10, 13, and 15.

As the Travelers heads into the weekend, the PGA Tour shined a special spotlight on McIlroy’s career milestone from earlier this year. After nearly two decades of heartbreak at Augusta, 2025 was the year McIlroy finally claimed the green jacket.

"I've loved Augusta since the first time I laid eyes on it, back in 2009," McIlroy said in an interview. "Every time that I've been there and I've had a chance, I've learned something different."

For McIlroy, it was more than just a win, it was the culmination of a dream he’d been chasing since 2009. “It’s not every day you get to fulfill one of your lifelong goals and dreams,” McIlroy said. “The big thing for me is just how the whole journey sort of resonated with people.”

"Rory does Rory things and he did," PGA Tour golfer Shane Lowry said.

"I see what he puts into the game and I see the time and effort he puts into the game and he deserves it more than anyone."

Rory’s road to the green jacket @McIlroyRory details the journey to his first win @TheMasters and becoming the sixth man to achieve the career Grand Slam. pic.twitter.com/DRJ28LeG7e
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 20, 2025

Now back at TPC River Highlands, McIlroy is proving once again why he’s one of the toughest competitors on tour. A fortunate bounce on the 17th hole Friday saved him a potential double bogey, keeping him in the hunt.

With the weekend approaching, McIlroy is positioned for another thrilling charge.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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