Ardee News and Sport – Rory McIlroy Takes 54-Hole Lead Into Final Round at 2024 Irish Open
Ardee News and Sport – Rory McIlroy Takes 54-Hole Lead Into Final Round at 2024 Irish Open
Royal County Down – September 14, 2024
Rory McIlroy has positioned himself at the top of the leaderboard after three days of play at the 2024 Irish Open, held at the iconic Royal County Down. The world No. 3 carded a 2-under 69 on Saturday, moving from two strokes back to a one-shot lead heading into Sunday’s final round. He stands at 6 under par, the only player under par after 54 holes.
Following rounds of 68 and 70, McIlroy’s steady Saturday performance sees him ahead of Italy’s Matteo Manassero by one stroke, with a trio of players, including Rasmus Højgaard, Erik van Rooyen, and Robert MacIntyre, sitting at 3 under. MacIntyre, who won the Scottish Open earlier this year, is in the hunt to make history as the first player to win both the Scottish and Irish Opens in the same year.
“I definitely would have taken the score before I went out today. Got off to the perfect start making 3 on [No.] 1,” McIlroy reflected. “It was just about trying to par as many holes as possible, and if you picked up a birdie here and there, it was a bonus. Shooting in the 60s today in those conditions is a really good effort, and it puts me in a good position going into tomorrow.”
McIlroy’s round kicked off with fireworks as he made eagle on the par-5 1st for the second day in a row. His approach shot from 180 yards set up a 6-foot putt to vault him into a share of the lead with overnight leader Manassero. McIlroy traded a bogey on the 5th with a birdie on the par-3 7th, staying at 6 under through nine holes. The highlight of his round came on the 13th, where, after missing the fairway off the tee, he managed to land his second shot on the green from a difficult position. A clutch 30-foot birdie putt capped off the moment.
McIlroy had a chance to extend his lead on the par-5 18th but faltered, missing a 4-foot par putt after a wayward approach shot. Despite the missed opportunity, he still leads by one over Manassero and remains in the driver’s seat in his home country.
A 40-time winner around the globe, McIlroy is still in search of his first professional victory in Northern Ireland.
“It would be amazing. I’m excited to give myself a chance,” McIlroy said of the opportunity. “The last couple times I’ve played in Northern Ireland, it hasn’t really panned out the way I wanted. So, to be in the final group and give myself a chance tomorrow, yeah, I’m excited for the opportunity. I just need to stay in the moment and go out there and give it my all.”
With McIlroy leading the charge, all eyes will be on Royal County Down as the 2024 Irish Open reaches its thrilling conclusion on Sunday.
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