Rory McIlroy stormed back into PGA Championship contention with a brilliant second-round 67 at Aronimink, leaving him just five shots off the lead heading into the weekend. After a frustrating opening round that ended with four consecutive bogeys and a 73, the Northern Irishman delivered a flawless, bogey-free performance on Friday that showcased his exceptional ball-striking and control.

Aronimink has proven to be a stern test this week, challenging even the world's best golfers. McIlroy's turnaround was particularly impressive given the difficulty of the course, which has sparked debate among players about its setup. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler called some of Friday's pin positions "absurd," describing them as the toughest he's seen in his entire PGA Tour career—including U.S. Opens and Oakmont. Scheffler noted that even veteran caddies compared the pins only to Shinnecock Hills, though he acknowledged the setup was ultimately fair.

When asked if he agreed with Scheffler's criticism, the 37-year-old McIlroy offered a different perspective. "I was thinking the exact opposite," McIlroy said with a smile. "I thought the course was set up perfectly. The greens are firm, the pins are tough, but that's what a major championship should be. You have to execute shots, and I felt like I did that today."

McIlroy's resurgence has injected fresh energy into the championship, with fans eager to see if he can close the gap over the weekend. His second-round 67 was a masterclass in patience and precision, proving that even on a demanding layout, class prevails. As the leaderboard tightens, all eyes will be on Aronimink's final two rounds—and whether McIlroy can turn his comeback into a victory.