Lowry lights up Irish Open with course-record 62

Dublin witnessed an extraordinary performance from Shane Lowry as he set a course-record 62 on Friday, leading the Irish Open halfway with a three-shot advantage over defending champion Rory McIlroy. The 2019 British Open champion, who holds the record for the lowest round at the Irish Open, delivered nine birdies and a single bogey on the par-four 13th to finish with an 11-under par score.

Despite a bogey, Lowry maintained his rhythm and found success at the 15th hole, adding another birdie to his tally. He expressed delight in the enthusiastic support from the home crowd, stating, "I got off to a nice start and then I just kept going. I felt great out there. Just kept my foot on the gas and tried to keep hitting good shots and keep holing putts and it was a nice day."

Lowry's performance was a stark contrast to McIlroy's struggles, as the Northern Irishman failed to find momentum in his second round. Despite an impressive eagle at the eighth hole, McIlroy's efforts were thwarted by poor putting, leaving him nine shots behind Lowry. The golfer confided in frustration, admitting, "I felt like I hit it well enough to shoot a low one but I just couldn't get the putter going at all.

The last two days the greens have confused me a little bit, been struggling to read them, but I can hopefully turn it around tomorrow."

Another first-round leader, Joaquin Niemann, shared the lead with four other golfers at five under par after posting a level-par 70. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit Ireland over the weekend, is expected to attend the tournament at the renowned Doonbeg resort.