Warren, Willett lead Irish Open

Marc Warren of Scotland and Englishman Danny Willett lead after Friday’s second round of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open on an eight-under-par total of 136.
Warren made seven birdies in his round of 66 after firing a first round 70 on Thursday with his only bogey coming on the par 5 fifth hole.
Willet followed up his first round 65 with a 71 to be tied at the top with the Scot. While Willet birdied five times he also dropped shots on the second, seventh, 13th and 15th holes.
Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy is a shot off the pace in third after firing a two-under 70. His round consisted of five birdies and three bogeys.
Warren said he was happy with his showing and felt he was due a low score. "I felt, especially the last three events, I felt as if I was close to some decent form," he told the European Tour site.
"I think everything was pretty solid overall," he added. "I kept the ball in play off the tee, which is obviously important in these conditions, and the short game is good."
Willett said afterwards that he played a bit scrappy but was glad how things ended up. "A little bit scrappy but grinding out quite nicely," he said. "Marc's score today is a fantastic round of golf.
At five-under-par is England's Matthew Southgate who shot a 69 to be two shots behind McIlroy.
Tied at four-under-par are the South African duo of Richard Sterne and Jaco Van Zyl along with England's Tyrrell Hatton.
Then a shot further back are ten players namely – Jorge Campillo, Jamie Donaldson, Bradley Dredge, Sébastien Gros, Russell Knox, Eddie Pepperell, Richie Ramsay, Brett Rumford, Callum Shinkwin and Chris Wood.
Latest
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
News
Tiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.
-
News
Lee Westwood resumes bid for record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance
The 47-year-old occupied one of the automatic places in the team before the golf was stopped due to Covid-19.
-
News
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew turns to Golfer’s CBD in pursuit of further success
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew believes Golfer’s CBD could play a vital role in her future success.