After a bogey-free opening round of 69 at TPC Southwind in Memphis Rory McIlroy knew all he needed to do was hole a few more putts to drag himself into contention at the St Jude Classic in Tennessee.
He duly obliged, today, this time carding four birdies to return to the clubhouse with a 66 and an early share of seventh place, three behind new leader Charley Hoffman, who shot a 67 to move to eight under.
On five under he was level with Pádraig Harrington, but the Dubliner dropped four shots through 11 holes in his second round to fall to one under with seven to play.
Overnight leader Lee Westwood did not move from on seven under after nine, thanks to a birdie and a bogey.
McIlroy was frustrated by his putting in the first around, as he was last week, despite his top 10 finish at the Memorial in Muirfield Village, Ohio.
However, the world number 10 today took advantages of his ball-striking and putted for birdies at the third, ninth, 10th and 16th.
American Ryder Cup player Boo Weekley is also alongside the 20-year-old after he too carded a 66.
Sweden's Robert Karlsson moved into contention, as well, with the same score but his moved him to seven under.