In a thrilling display at the Australian Open, Rory McIlroy secured his place for the weekend with a remarkable finish. The Northern Irish golfer made three birdies in his last four holes of the second round, helping him make the cut at Royal Melbourne.
McIlroy’s Strong Performance
After struggling in the opening round, McIlroy bounced back with a three-under 68. This score brought him to a total of two-under par after two rounds. He currently sits seven shots behind the joint leaders, Daniel Rodrigues and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, who lead at nine-under par.
Round Highlights
McIlroy’s round began with a solid performance on the front nine, where he carded one birdie and eight pars. However, the 14th hole proved challenging as he recorded a bogey involving an unusual air shot. Despite this setback, his birdies at the 15th, 17th, and 18th holes propelled him into weekend contention.
Improved Conditions
Reflecting on the course conditions, McIlroy noted that the wind direction had shifted, making the game significantly different compared to the first round. “It played like a different golf course,” he mentioned. He felt more comfortable with the approach shots as the course firmed up.
Looking Ahead
The 36-year-old golfer is optimistic about his chances moving forward. “Seven isn’t too far back. If I can shoot a good round tomorrow, I can get myself right back in the tournament,” he stated.
Other Noteworthy Performances
- Cameron Adam, a Scotland native, also made the cut following a remarkable second round of 64, finishing one-under after two rounds.
- Meanwhile, Jeff Guan, a two-time Australian amateur champion, missed the cut, finishing tied for 112th place.
McIlroy’s journey at the Australian Open continues as he seeks to challenge for another Stonehaven Cup. With improved conditions and determination, his prospects look promising.
