The Japanese star chips in for eagle to grab lead while Rory’s meltdown continues.

Making his debut at golf’s most iconic European Tour event, Hideki Matsuyama looked like he’d been playing Wentworth’s West Course his entire life. The 32-year-old former Masters champion fired an 8-under 64 in Friday’s second round, highlighted by two eagles that sent the Surrey crowd into a frenzy. The second one was pure theater — a delicate chip from the edge of the 17th green that found the bottom of the cup to vault him into the lead. “I wasn’t expecting I would play this good,” Matsuyama admitted afterward, which might be the understatement of the year.

Europe’s Ryder Cup Stars Lurking

Three of Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup team are breathing down Matsuyama’s neck, sitting just one shot back in a tie for second. Viktor Hovland continues his Jekyll and Hyde season, following up Thursday’s 67 with a bogey-free 66 that included a 40-foot eagle putt on the last hole. The Norwegian has been brutally honest about his driving struggles this year, admitting some shots “hurt my soul,” yet somehow he keeps grinding out scores. Ludvig Åberg and Justin Rose complete the European trio, with Rose’s eight-birdie round of 66 showcasing the form that earned him his Ryder Cup spot.

Rory’s Train Wreck on Rails

The most fascinating storyline isn’t who’s leading — it’s watching Rory McIlroy’s wheels completely fall off. After winning the Irish Open just days ago, the world No. 2 looked like he was playing a different sport entirely. McIlroy started Friday’s round with three consecutive bogeys, clawed his way back to respectability with five birdies, then gift-wrapped a double bogey on the 18th hole. His tee shot found the trees, forcing a reload, and by the time the carnage was over, he’d carded a level-par 72 that left him nine shots behind. What makes it worse? This is his Ryder Cup tune-up event.

The Ryder Cup Reality Check

With just two weeks until Bethpage Black, Team Europe got a mixed bag of results from their 11 representatives at Wentworth. Ten made the cut, which sounds good until you realize their supposed leader is flailing around Surrey like a weekend hacker. Meanwhile, Jon Rahm quietly posted rounds of 70-69 to sit at 4-under, and Robert MacIntyre and Tommy Fleetwood barely squeaked through on the cut line. The only European to miss the weekend was rookie Rasmus Højgaard, who shot 74-75 to bow out early. Luke Donald has to be questioning whether bringing 11 players to Wentworth was brilliant preparation or a recipe for overthinking.

What This Really Means

Here’s the thing about golf that makes it endlessly fascinating: form is temporary, but pressure is permanent. Matsuyama proving he can handle a new course under pressure is exactly what confidence looks like. The European Ryder Cup players showing up — minus their supposed leader — suggests the team dynamic might be shifting. And Rory? Sometimes the best thing that can happen to a great player is a reality check that reminds them golf doesn’t care about your reputation. With Bethpage looming and American crowds waiting to pounce, these European stars better find their games quickly.