McIlroy Fights for Redemption at Amgen Irish Open as Lowry Takes Control

Rory McIlroy's chances of retaining his title at the Amgen Irish Open suffered a setback on Friday, as he struggled to find consistency with his putting.

McIlroy moved into the weekend at Doonbeg after a second-round 69, but he acknowledged that his game was not where it needed to be. The four-time major champion praised the improved weather conditions and the course's gettable layout, saying 'the conditions were a little bit easier, and because of that, the pace of play was much better.'

However, McIlroy's frustration centered on his inability to convert putts, saying 'I just couldn't get the putter going at all.' He also struggled with reading the greens, admitting 'the last two days, the greens have confused me a little bit. Been struggling to read them.'

The defending champion recognized that he needed to improve his putting and get a handle on the greens in order to make up ground on the leaders.

In contrast, Shane Lowry's performance was impressive, as he shot a course-record 62 at Doonbeg to move to 11 under par. McIlroy acknowledged Lowry's dominance and praised the Irish support at Doonbeg, saying fans are 'very knowledgeable, very respectful' and 'enthusiastic.'