Rory McIlroy on the cut bubble after 2nd-round 70 in Houston

Rory McIlroy may get those needed, pre-Augusta competitive rounds in, after all.

The world No. 2, after a shaky first round in the Shell Houston Open, talked Thursday about his need for more tournament play heading into next month’s Masters. He cobbled together a far better, sub-par 70 round on Friday that included three birdies and a bogey to put himself directly on the projected cut line at 1-under and into limbo awaiting results to determine if he should book Saturday and Sunday tee times.

After posting an opening 1-over 73, things looked rather bleak for the formerly top-ranked golfer from Northern Ireland. Indeed, an uncertain McIlroy talked about needing more competitive action heading to Augusta.

It appeared, with 18-hole leader D.A. Points yet to start his second round, as if Rory would indeed sneak in under the wire and chalk up those required reps.

If not, there’s always next week’s Valero Texas Open. McIlroy has doggedly stuck to a limited 2013 schedule and was unlikely to toss his name into the hat for a spot in San Antonio.

Should the cut line move, however, McIlroy, who spoke Thursday about needing to “commit” to his shots, has until 5 p.m. Friday to commit to the final event before the men’s first major of the season.