Rory McIlroy faced challenges in the second round of the Irish Open at Doonbeg, finishing nine behind his close friend Shane Lowry. The tournament, held at the Clare venue, was marked by strong winds that slowed play and created difficult conditions for the golfers. McIlroy, who had a long Thursday, is planning a long weekend after the tough conditions.

The 56 km/h gusts made the course particularly challenging, with slow play and lengthy waits at the tee boxes. McIlroy acknowledged the difficulty of the weather, highlighting a few tough moments during his round. Despite the conditions, he remains focused on the weekend ahead.

Lowry, who is playing alongside McIlroy, managed to maintain a closer position, showing resilience in the challenging weather. Both players are part of a competitive field, with the Irish Open drawing top names in the sport.

The event continues into the weekend, with players hoping to improve their positions after the difficult second round. McIlroy’s performance will be closely watched as he looks to recover from the tough conditions.