Shane Lowry sets course record to lead Irish Open

Home favourite Shane Lowry produced a stunning course-record 62 on Friday to take control of the Irish Open at the halfway stage, while defending champion Rory McIlroy slipped further down the leaderboard.

The 2019 Open Championship winner carded nine birdies during a remarkable second round at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg in County Clare. Lowry finished the day at 11 under par, opening up a three-shot advantage over China’s Li Haotong and Danish duo Jacob Skov Olesen and Niklas Norgaard.

Lowry’s only setback came on the par-four 13th, where he dropped a shot. The Irishman quickly responded, however, with a birdie at the 15th to complete a memorable round in front of enthusiastic home supporters.

“It was good fun out there,” Lowry said after his round.

“I got off to a nice start and then I just kept going. I felt great out there. I just kept my foot on the gas and tried to keep hitting good shots and keep holing putts, and it was a nice day.”

The support from the home crowd was another highlight for Lowry, who was delighted to give the fans plenty to celebrate.

“The crowds were amazing out there today. They support me along the way and it was nice to give them something to shout about.”

McIlroy Struggles to Find Momentum

While Lowry surged to the top of the leaderboard, Rory McIlroy endured another frustrating day.

The six-time major champion carded a second consecutive 69 and struggled to build momentum despite producing a spectacular eagle at the eighth hole. His round ended on a sour note when he three-putted the final hole from close range.

McIlroy now sits nine shots behind Lowry heading into the weekend.

The County Down native admitted that putting had been a major problem during the opening two rounds.

“I felt like I hit it well enough to shoot a low one, but I just couldn’t get the putter going at all,” McIlroy said.

“The last two days the greens have confused me a little bit. I’ve been struggling to read them, but I can hopefully turn it around tomorrow.”

Niemann Remains in Contention

Joaquin Niemann, who led after the opening round, remains firmly in contention despite carding a level-par 70 on Friday.

The Chilean is five under par for the tournament and sits in a tie with four other players as the field heads into the weekend.

With Lowry holding a commanding lead and McIlroy looking to mount a comeback, the final two rounds promise plenty of drama at Doonbeg.

Trump Set to Attend

US President Donald Trump is also expected to attend the tournament over the weekend as part of a two-day visit to Ireland.

Attention, however, will remain firmly on the golf as Lowry looks to convert his record-breaking performance into victory on home soil.