Frenchman Gregory Bourdy opened a 1-shot lead in the second round of the Irish Open as Rory McIlroy edged his way back toward the leaderboard on Friday.
Bourdy had an eagle on his second hole and six birdies and three bogeys to move to 12-under 132, ahead of Englishman Mark Foster, who also carded a 5-under 67 for second place outright.
Former US Open champion McIlroy climbed 29 places and into a tie for 24th with his 3-under 69 with five birdies and two bogeys on the Royal Portrush links course.
Photo: Reuters
HARRINGTON
Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington moved into contention with a second straight 67 to sit two off the lead and part of a three-way tie for third.
Harrington had birdies on his first two holes and six birdies in all with a single bogey to climb six places and join England’s Paul Waring and Italy’s Lorenzo Gagli on 10 under.
US PGA champion Keegan Bradley missed the cut at his first tournament in Europe after a 1-under 71 on the second day to go with his 1-over 73 on Thursday for even par overall.
BRADLEY
Bradley started with a double-bogey seven on No. 10, his first, and despite a run of four straight birdies after that, dropped three more shots to end his tournament early.
Bourdy was ahead by one at the halfway mark, but could have been clear by more after an eagle on No. 2 and four more birdies in his opening nine. However, he dropped two shots coming home.
Home favorites McIlroy and British Open champion Darren Clarke both shot 69, with Clarke finishing with a 20-foot putt for birdie to ensure he made the cut for the first time this season. Another Northern Irish major winner, Graeme McDowell, was at 5 under.
McIlroy was watched by girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki in Portrush after she made the trip from London following her first-round defeat at Wimbledon.
The No. 2-ranked McIlroy still was not at his majestic best, but said he felt some improvement ahead of the weekend — and next month’s British Open.
“The last two days have probably been the best ball-striking rounds I’ve had for a while,” he said. “I didn’t do much wrong and hopefully I can have a good weekend. I need something around 64 or 65 to get myself into contention, but I’ve shot low scores here before.”
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