STRAFFAN, Eire — Rory McIlroy hit a bogey-free 6-under 66 to maneuver into rivalry after the second spherical of the Irish Open, the place Joakim Lagergren of Sweden leads after a 62 on Friday.
McIlroy jumped right into a share of third place after making six birdies at The Okay Membership, two of them coming on the final two holes to thrill the deep galleries following their Northern Irishman on his homecoming.
“Wonderful — the entire day,” McIlroy mentioned. “Even simply strolling to the vary for the warmup in the present day, the help is totally unbelievable. I am wanting ahead to taking part in in that ambiance for the following couple of days as nicely.”
The world No. 2 must reel in Lagergren, who led on 12-under par after 36 holes, and Adrien Saddier of France, who added a 66 to a gap 67 and was one stroke again.
Lagergren, 33, has historical past at The Okay Membership. Final yr, when taking part in the Irish Problem right here on the adjoining Palmer South Course, he shot a course-record 63 after which holed out from a bunker to make eagle on the 72nd gap and earn a one-stroke victory.
“Eire is treating me nicely,” Lagergren mentioned.
McIlroy was tied on 7 below with Thorbjorn Olesen (71), Daniel Hillier (66) and Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (65).
