Rory McIlroy made the cut at the Australian Open, but he had to admit that his second round included something he does not often experience in his career. Making his way around Royal Melbourne, McIlroy carded a 68 to finish the day at two under par heading into the weekend.

Organisers didn’t have to wait long to feel the full impact of Rory McIlroy’s appearance at the Australian Open on Thursday.

After hitting a 'fresh air shot' for the first time in memory, bogeying the par five and looking like missing the cut, to setting up a brilliant eagle effort and making birdie in the last two holes in...