Beginning his day on the second nine at Royal County Down, McIlroy meandered into his round. A left miss off the tee handcuffed the world No. 3 on the par-5 12th before another left miss — this time with an iron in hand — on the par-3 14th led to his second consecutive bogey on that hole.

Rory McIlroy delivered enough superb shots in a strong wind Saturday for a 2-under 69, giving him a one-shot lead over Matteo Manassero in the Irish Open as McIlroy tries to erase two bad memories on home soil.

Rory McIlroy persevered through windy conditions Saturday to card a 2-under 69, giving him a one-shot lead over Matteo Manassero at the Irish Open.