McIlroy in the Irish Open fight: 66 without bogeys and near the top

McIlroy Positions Himself at the Irish Open with an Impeccable Round

STRAFFAN, Ireland – Golfer Rory McIlroy carded a 66, six-under-par round with no bogeys, moving up the leaderboard at the Irish Open. Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren leads the tournament after an outstanding round of 62 on Friday. McIlroy, with six birdies at The K Club, including two in the last two holes, placed third, delighting the numerous galleries that were following him in his homeland.

Incredible, all day. Even walking to the practice field for warm-up, the support is absolutely incredible. I’m looking forward to playing in that atmosphere for the next few days.
Rory McIlroy

The world number 2 will have to close the gap to Lagergren, who leads with 12 under par after 36 holes, and to Frenchman Adrien Saddier, who with a round of 66, was one stroke behind the leader. Lagergren, 33, has a history at The K Club. Last year, at the Irish Challenge on the nearby Palmer South Course, he set a course record with 63 strokes and made an eagle from a bunker on the 72nd hole, securing victory by one stroke.