CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The King of Quail Hollow is making his move.

Rory McIlroy, fresh off his second Masters victory, found his rhythm when it mattered most Friday at the Truist Championship. After a sluggish start that left him eight shots adrift, the world No. 2 caught fire on the back nine, shooting a 4-under 67 to climb within four strokes of 36-hole leader Sungjae Im.

Im, who posted a 9-under 133 total, will take a one-shot lead over Tommy Fleetwood into the weekend. But all eyes were on McIlroy, who looked every bit the four-time Charlotte champion in front of his adoring fans.

"It was a good day to get myself back in the hunt," McIlroy said. "I feel like I have a real chance going into the weekend."

The turning point came at the turn. McIlroy, sitting at 1 under and buried on the leaderboard, ignited his round with back-to-back birdies at Nos. 10 and 11. The crowd's energy seemed to lift him, much like it has during his previous victories at this venue.

His iron play sharpened with each swing, and he added three more birdies over the next five holes. At one point, McIlroy hit 14 consecutive greens in regulation — a personal course record at Quail Hollow.

"I started to make some good swings, especially with the irons," McIlroy explained. "I've only played one tournament in seven weeks, so it's about getting the reps under my belt and having a scorecard in my hand."

His only blemish came at the 18th, where he found a greenside bunker and lipped out his par putt. Still, a 32 on the back nine was more than enough to energize his weekend prospects.

Behind the leaders, Justin Thomas sits two shots back, tied with PGA Tour newcomer Alex Fitzpatrick. The stage is set for a thrilling weekend at one of golf's most beloved venues.