Ireland Straffen – Rory McIlroy hit a bogey of 66 below 66 after the second round of the Irish Open, after Sweden’s leading Joakim Lagergren was behind Friday’s 62 points.
McIlroy made the third place after earning six birdies at the K Club, two of whom were in the last two holes, and after their Northern Irelanders, stimulated the deep gallery.
“Great – all day,” McIlroy said. “Even if it’s just going to be today’s warm-up range, the support is absolutely incredible. I look forward to playing in this atmosphere for the next few days.”
The world’s second-placed pick had to get involved in Lagergren, who led by under par after 36 holes, while France’s Adrien Saddier added 66 to 67 openings and returned with a stroke.
Lagergren, 33, has history at K Club. Last year, when he was competing in the Irish Challenge at the adjacent Palmer South Stadium, he filmed 63 course records before digging out of the bunker, crafting the eagle in the 72nd hole and earning a one-stroke victory.
“Ireland is good to me,” Raggelen said.
McIlroy tied with Thorbjorn Olesen (71), Daniel Hillier (66) and Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (65).
