In challenging crosswinds at Royal County Down, the Northern Irishman, playing at home for the first time since 2019, combined six birdies with three bogeys to lead the Irish challenge.
Thanks to his incredible finishes, McIlroy is still within striking distance of English leader Todd Clements, who struck a hole-in-one at the par-five 18th hole and ended with an eagle to take pole position, one stroke ahead of Alejandro Del Rey of Spain and Sami Valimaki of Finland.
The world no. 3 McIlroy was the greatest chance for the home team, as Tom McKibbin trailed him by two strokes and Shane Lowry scored a one-over 72.
Satisfied enough. “Anytime you can shoot three under here, you have to be happy,” McIlroy remarked.
“It was nice to take advantage of the wind and play the last few holes the way I did, as conditions were pretty tough early on and then settled down over the course of those few holes.”
