Rory McIlroy fired a bogey-free six-under 66 in the second round of the Irish Open at the K Club on Friday to move into a tie for third on seven under.
The five-time Major winner had voiced frustration after receiving a slow play warning in Thursday’s opening round, but looked more composed in County Kildare.
He will head into the weekend five shots behind Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren, who stormed to the top of the leaderboard with a brilliant 62.
“I felt like I hit the ball pretty similarly to yesterday, maybe gave myself a few more chances with the approach shots,” McIlroy told Sky Sports. “I didn’t make a bogey, which was nice, a couple of nice par saves on the back nine and finished well with a couple of birdies. I’m really pleased with the day’s work and it keeps me within touching distance going into the weekend.”
Lagergren leads on 12 under, one shot clear of France’s Adrien Saddier.
“I played really well,” Lagergren said. “My putter was very hot, I holed a lot of putts today. I didn’t really have my A-game yesterday. I worked with my coach and obviously found something. This course is really tricky. I can’t really dream of shooting 10 under at the K Club.”
South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout was five under (T16) after a round of 67 that included five birdies.
© Agence France-Presse
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