McIlroy Charges into Irish Open Contention with Bogey-Free 66
Rory McIlroy has once again lit up the Irish Open, producing the kind of golf that gets crowds buzzing and leaves fellow competitors looking over their shoulders. At The K Club, the world number two carded a flawless six-under-par 66 in the second round, moving himself firmly into contention ahead of what promises to be a thrilling weekend.
This wasn’t just a steady round—it was one filled with patience, precision, and a late surge of brilliance. McIlroy, who is chasing his first victory since completing the career Grand Slam at the Masters back in April, went bogey-free from start to finish. He opened with two early birdies, then steadied himself through a long stretch of pars that might have tested his composure. But as the back nine unfolded, the Northern Irishman found another gear, rattling off birdies at the 13th, 14th, 17th, and 18th holes. That closing run lifted him to seven under par, just five shots back of leader Joakim Lagergren.
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For the fans gathered in County Kildare, it felt like classic McIlroy—calm when it mattered, electric when the opportunity arose. He nearly capped things off with an eagle on the final hole after a brilliant approach, but his eight-foot putt slid by, leaving him to settle for a birdie. Still, the momentum was undeniable. “I’m really pleased with the day’s work,” McIlroy said afterward, admitting that although the leaders were a little further ahead, he believes he’s positioned perfectly to chase them down.
And what leaders they are. Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren produced a blistering 62, highlighted by nine birdies and an eagle. It was a round powered by a red-hot putter, and though it included a single bogey, it kept him narrowly ahead of France’s Adrien Saddier. Lagergren, ranked 194th in the world, admitted afterward that some work with his coach had clicked just in time, and the results showed.
McIlroy’s push wasn’t the only talking point of the day. Shane Lowry thrilled the home crowd with a hole-out eagle on the 13th, though inconsistency kept him from mounting a serious charge. He finished at four under, eight back of the lead. Meanwhile, big names like Brooks Koepka, Padraig Harrington, and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald all missed the cut after struggling to find form on the demanding course.
As the tournament moves into the weekend, all eyes will inevitably return to McIlroy. He last won the Irish Open at The K Club in 2016, and with the Ryder Cup looming later this month, his timing couldn’t be better. The support from the home crowd has been thunderous, and if his iron play stays sharp, the chase for the title could come right down to the wire.
For now, Lagergren leads the way, but with McIlroy’s name climbing the board, the Irish Open feels set for a dramatic finish.
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