Manassero handles cold and wind for Irish Open lead and McIlroy is 2 behind
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy on the 5th fairway during day two of the Amgen Irish Open 2024 at Royal County Down in Newcastle, County Down, Ireland, Friday Sept. 13, 2024. (Liam McBurney/PA via AP)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Liam McBurney]
NEWCASTLE, Northern Ireland (AP) — Matteo Manassero had to cope with the afternoon wind and the cold at Royal County Down for a 66 in the Irish Open. That gives him a one-shot lead going into the weekend with Rory McIlroy only two shots behind after a 70 on Friday. McIlroy is happy with his position. He also knows he let a good chance get away. McIlroy had moderate conditions when he played in the morning. But he couldn’t birdie either of the par 5s. But it beats the last time the Irish Open was at Royal County Down. That was in 2015 and McIlroy missed the cut.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy putting during day two of the Amgen Irish Open 2024 at Royal County Down in Newcastle, County Down, Ireland, Friday Sept. 13, 2024. (Liam McBurney/PA via AP)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Liam McBurney