Rory McIlroy is well-positioned to vie for a second Amgen Irish Open title, remaining within two strokes of the lead on home turf. The world No. 3 delivered a strong performance, following an opening-round score of 68 with a one-under 70 at Royal County Down, totaling four under par as he heads into the weekend.
As the 2016 champion, McIlroy started on the back nine but struggled to capitalize on favorable conditions, recording a bogey on the par-three 14th for the second consecutive day. He bounced back by sinking a birdie on the following hole from 27 feet.
Highlighting McIlroy’s round was an exceptional eagle on the par-five first hole, achieved with an eight iron from 15 feet, although he faced a setback with a dropped shot at the par-four fifth. McIlroy currently sits tied for fourth, trailing Matteo Manassero by two strokes.
“I would have liked to have taken advantage of the easier conditions this morning,” McIlroy stated. “Those first nine holes couldn’t have been easier at Royal County Down.”
He continued, “When the sun went in, it got a little colder, and the wind shifted. But my aim was to ensure I was in contention for the weekend, which I’ve achieved.”
Manassero leads the tournament with an impressive eagle on two par-fives, securing a third-round score of 66 and holding a one-shot lead over Todd Clements. Alejandro Del Rey trails McIlroy by two strokes, despite a quadruple-bogey at the par-four 15th. Shane Lowry is also in the mix, five shots off the lead, after posting a second-round 69.
“I know I can make a strong push,” Lowry noted, reflecting on his previous 2009 title win as an amateur. “A showdown with Rory on Sunday would be great for the tournament.”
“Both of us being in contention would certainly create an exciting finish. I’ll focus on my game and see where it takes me.”
As the Amgen Irish Open progresses, excitement builds for an intense weekend of golf. Don’t miss the action live throughout Saturday.
