McIlroy Tops the Leaderboard Heading into Irish Open Final Round.

Golf General

McIlroy Tops the Leaderboard Heading into Irish Open Final Round.

Rory McIlroy’s hopes of winning the Irish Open in his home county are still strong after a third-round 69 put him one shot ahead heading into the final day at Royal County Down.

Starting the day two shots behind Matteo Manassero, Rory McIlroy made an eagle, two birdies, and two bogeys in windy conditions to take a slim lead.

Scottish Open champion Robert MacIntyre (69) and four-time DP World Tour winner Rasmus Hojgaard (71) are tied for third, three shots behind McIlroy.

Tom McKibbin from Northern Ireland shot a 70 to sit six shots back, while Shane Lowry’s challenge faded with a 74, dropping him to two-over despite a strong start with three consecutive birdies.

With the joint-lowest score on Saturday, McIlroy is well-positioned for his first professional win in Northern Ireland.