South Korean golfer Sungjae Im captured the halfway lead at the Truist Championship on Friday, carding three back-nine birdies during his round at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte.
Im’s consistent 69 brought him to 9-under 133 for the tournament, giving him a narrow one-stroke advantage over England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who recorded his second consecutive 67. Justin Thomas and England’s Alex Fitzpatrick share third place at 7-under after both shot 68s on Friday.
The South Korean professional is chasing what would be the most significant triumph of his career. While Im has captured two PGA Tour victories, his last came in October 2021, though he did claim a win on the Korean Tour earlier this year.
Thursday’s opening round of the $20 million signature event faced weather delays, forcing 20 players to finish their first rounds Friday morning. Im had just recorded an eagle to reach 7-under when play was suspended, completing his opening round with two pars on Friday.
Starting his second round, Im recorded nine consecutive pars before making birdie on the 10th hole and dropping a shot at the 12th. He drew even with then-leader Matt McCarty at 8-under by birdieing the short par-4 14th hole, then moved to 9-under with a skillfully executed birdie on the par-5 15th.
McCarty, who established the first-round lead with a 63, struggled in his second round and was 2-over with one hole remaining late Friday.
Alex Fitzpatrick holds a nine-shot advantage over his older brother Matt Fitzpatrick, who ranks third in the world but shot 70 on Friday to sit at 2-over for the tournament. The younger Fitzpatrick earned his PGA Tour credentials and entry into remaining signature events after he and his brother captured the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team competition last month.
