McIlroy shoots 66 and powers into contention at Irish Open. Lagergren leads after a 62

By: The Associated Press Posted: 1:45 PM CDT Friday, Sep. 5, 2025 Last Modified: 2:31 PM CDT Friday, Sep. 5, 2025

STRAFFAN, Ireland (AP) — Rory McIlroy hit a bogey-free 6-under 66 to move into contention after the second round of the Irish Open, where Joakim Lagergren of Sweden leads after a 62 on Friday.

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STRAFFAN, Ireland (AP) — Rory McIlroy hit a bogey-free 6-under 66 to move into contention after the second round of the Irish Open, where Joakim Lagergren of Sweden leads after a 62 on Friday.

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This article was published 05/09/2025 (373 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

STRAFFAN, Ireland (AP) — Rory McIlroy hit a bogey-free 6-under 66 to move into contention after the second round of the Irish Open, where Joakim Lagergren of Sweden leads after a 62 on Friday.

McIlroy jumped into a share of third place after making six birdies at The K Club, two of them coming at the last two holes to thrill the deep galleries following their Northern Irishman on his homecoming.

“Amazing — the whole day,” McIlroy said. “Even just walking to the range for the warmup today, the support is absolutely incredible. I’m looking forward to playing in that atmosphere for the next couple of days as well.”

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy acknowledges the gallery on the 18th green during the second round of the Irish Open golf tournament, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at The K Club in Straffan, Ireland. (Brian Lawless/PA via AP)

The world No. 2 will have to reel in Lagergren, who led on 12-under par after 36 holes, and Adrien Saddier of France, who added a 66 to an opening 67 and was one stroke back.

The 33-year-old Lagergren has a history at The K Club. Last year, when playing the Irish Challenge here on the adjoining Palmer South Course, he shot a course-record 63 and then holed out from a bunker to make eagle on the 72nd hole and earn a one-stroke victory.

“Ireland is treating me well,” Lagergren said.

McIlroy was tied on 7 under with Thorbjorn Olesen (71), Daniel Hillier (66) and Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (65).

Canadian Aaron Cockerill, from Stony Mountain, Man., is tied for seventh at 6 under. He birdied three of his final six holes and shot a bogey-free 68 on Friday.