Rory McIlroy has birdied his final three holes to shoot 3-under 68 and sit two strokes off the first-round lead at the Irish Open

Matteo Manassero had to cope with the afternoon wind and the cold at Royal County Down for a 66 in the Irish Open.

Rory McIlroy began the day with a two shot lead at the Irish Open, but costly mistakes down the stretch sealed his fate.

After three days of play at Royal County Down, only one man can say he has been under par walking off the 18th green. That man is Rory McIlroy, who followed up rounds of 68-70 to open the 2024 Irish Open with a 2-under 69 on Moving Day to go from two back to one in front heading into Sunday's deciding round.

Rory McIlroy has long cherished Royal County Down. Now, he's in position to win on the legendary links for the first time.

Rory McIlroy delivered enough superb shots in a strong wind Saturday for a 2-under 69, giving him a one-shot lead over Matteo Manassero in the Irish Open as McIlroy tries to erase two bad memories on home soil.

Rory McIlroy persevered through windy conditions Saturday to card a 2-under 69, giving him a one-shot lead over Matteo Manassero at the Irish Open.

"The conditions were quite benign for the first probably 11 or 12 holes," McIlroy said. "Felt like I could have done a little more to take advantage of them. But then, you know, o

Rory McIlroy's dream of lifting the Irish Open trophy in his home county remains alive as he takes a one-shot cushion heading into the final day at Royal County Down.