Rory McIlroy takes lead ahead of final day

Rory McIlroy will take a one-shot lead into the final day of the Amgen Irish Open after closing with a 69 featuring an eagle at the par-4 1st, two birdies and two bogeys to reach 6-under. McIlroy was one of only four players to break 70.

A win on Sunday would be McIlroy’s first on home soil.

“The last couple of times I’ve played in Northern Ireland it hasn’t really panned out the way I wanted so to play a good three days here and be in the final group and give myself a chance tomorrow, I’m excited for the opportunity.

“After the sort of year that I’ve had and the close misses it wouldn’t make up for all of it, but it would go a long way in putting a nice shine on 2024 for me.

“I can’t get that far ahead of myself, I need to go out and play another very solid round tomorrow to try to get the job done but I’m pleased with how the first three days have gone.

“If you picked up a birdie here and there it was a bonus but I think to shoot in the 60s today in those conditions was a really good effort and it puts me in a great position going into tomorrow.”

Overnight leader Matteo Manassero of Italy slipped back into second place at 5-under having made three birdies and four bogeys for a 72.

England’s Jordan Smith and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre both carded 69s for a share of third place at 3-under alongside South African Erik van Rooyen and Dane Rasmus Højgaard who both shot 71s.

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