Who leads the Amgen Irish Open?

Shane Lowry leads the Amgen Irish Open after a second-round 62.

What was notable about Rory McIlroy's first round at the Irish Open?

Rory McIlroy's first round at the Irish Open took 6 hours and 6 minutes, which he stated was his longest professional round.

What course record did Shane Lowry set?

Shane Lowry set a new 18-hole course record of 8-under 62 at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Ireland, Doonbeg.

DP World TourBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamSep 12, 2026, 11:00 AM ET

Lowry Sets Course Record at Irish Open, McIlroy Battles Slow Play

Shane Lowry delighted home crowds with a record-setting 62 to take a commanding lead at the Amgen Irish Open, while Rory McIlroy contended with his slowest professional round.

Shane Lowry delivered a standout performance at the Amgen Irish Open, carding an 8-under 62 in the second round to establish a three-stroke lead. Playing on his home soil at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Ireland, Doonbeg, Lowry’s round set a new 18-hole course record. The 39-year-old Irishman, who previously won his national title as an amateur in 2009, capitalized on calmer conditions Friday after a challenging opening day.

Lowry's record-setting round included nine birdies and only one bogey, with a remarkable 6-under 30 on the front nine. He made three consecutive birdies from the third hole, followed by another three straight at the seventh, eighth, and ninth. Birdies at the 11th and 12th briefly put him on a 59 watch before a three-putt bogey on the 13th. He finished with a birdie on the 15th and a string of pars to reach 11-under for the tournament. Lowry currently stands as a strong favorite at -105 (Betway).

Trailing Lowry by three strokes are Haotong Li, Jacob Skov Olesen, and Niklas Norgaard. Olesen posted a 6-under 64, noting the significant improvement in conditions from Thursday. Haotong Li is currently priced at +1800 (FanDuel), Jacob Skov Olesen at +650 (Betway), and Niklas Norgaard at +3300 (BetCity).

McIlroy's Marathon Round

Rory McIlroy's opening round at the Irish Open proved to be his longest professional round to date, clocking in at 6 hours and 6 minutes. McIlroy, who played with Robert MacIntyre and Brooks Koepka, described the pace as unprecedented in his career. Factors contributing to the slow play included a one-tee start for the 138-player field, difficult wet and windy conditions, and a 20-minute ruling involving Erik van Rooyen early in the round. McIlroy remarked that such a prolonged round made it difficult to find a rhythm. Robert MacIntyre is currently listed at +100000 (FanDuel), while Brooks Koepka is at +100000 (FanDuel).

Despite the challenging pace, McIlroy backed up his playing partner Shane Lowry's impressive performance, acknowledging Lowry's consistent ability to deliver strong rounds. McIlroy's current price for the tournament is +100000 (FanDuel).

Compare the odds

Amgen Irish Open odds →Haotong Li Brooks Koepka Robert MacIntyre Shane Lowry Erik van Rooyen Rory McIlroy Niklas Norgaard Jacob Skov Olesen

FAQ

Who leads the Amgen Irish Open?: Shane Lowry leads the Amgen Irish Open after a second-round 62.
What was notable about Rory McIlroy's first round at the Irish Open?: Rory McIlroy's first round at the Irish Open took 6 hours and 6 minutes, which he stated was his longest professional round.
What course record did Shane Lowry set?: Shane Lowry set a new 18-hole course record of 8-under 62 at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Ireland, Doonbeg.