The K Club, County Kildare, Dublin, September 6, 2025
News Summary
Rory McIlroy thrilled the crowd at The K Club with a bogey-free 6-under 66 in the second round of the Amgen Irish Open, climbing to 7-under par overall. The electric atmosphere saw a Swedish player lead at 12-under after an impressive 10-under 62, while Adrien Saddier is in second place at 11-under. With tight competition brewing and late birdies from McIlroy, an exciting weekend is ahead for fans and players alike.
Dublin — Rory McIlroy Fires Up The K Club Crowd, Moves Into Contention at Amgen Irish Open
Big crowds, big swings and a leaderboard that’s suddenly buzzing
Sunday’s headlines came early at The K Club as a homecoming round exploded into life. The Northern Irish favourite produced a bogey-free 6-under 66 in the second round to climb into a share of third place at 7-under par. The crowd was electric, and the local support turned the fairways into a proper theatre of noise and colour.
But while the stadium-style support put plenty of heat on the leaderboard, one man stole the show with an absolutely remarkable round. A Swede sits at the top on 12-under after 36 holes following a jaw-dropping 10-under 62 second round that featured nine birdies and an eagle. That kind of scoring in testing conditions is the kind of statement that wakes up a tournament — and the player in front already has form around these parts, having once posted a course record at the nearby Palmer South course.
Frenchman Adrien Saddier lurks in second, just one shot back at 11-under after adding a 66 to an opening 67. It’s tight at the top, but the leader’s blistering 62 has everyone scrambling to find birdie chances.
McIlroy’s round at a glance
The hometown star pocketed six birdies without a single bogey, including two birdies on the final two holes to cap off his day in style. There was a dramatic near-moment on the 18th where an eagle attempt came up agonisingly short, leaving a birdie instead — plenty to thrill the gallery, and enough to show the kind of momentum he’s building.
Players and onlookers noted he’s striking the ball well and creating good looks at birdie. Still, McIlroy felt he left some shots out on the course and could have been a couple of strokes better, a candid admission that suggests he’s still sharpening the edges. No lack of confidence though — the form looks there and the crowd is clearly fueling him.
Who else is in the mix?
The leaderboard is busy. Tied with McIlroy at 7-under are a trio of challengers: a homegrown Danish contender, a capable campaigner from New Zealand, and a Spanish grinder known for steady ball-striking. The field is compact enough that a hot morning or a cold stretch could shuffle those positions fast.
Expect the weekend to be a scramble. The leader’s two-round blitz means anyone chasing needs to score low and fast — and save the steady pars for later. With the second round complete, the stage is set for an exciting weekend charge.
Atmosphere and storylines to watch
This isn’t just golf; it’s a story of a local hero returning home and feeding off the fans. The galleries made the course feel borderline electric and players definitely noticed the intensity. The leader’s near-record scoring and McIlroy’s late birdies create two distinct narratives: one of a runaway scoring machine, and one of a favourite galvanised by his supporters.
From a tactical point of view, keep an eye on wind changes and pin placements over the weekend — those could decide whether the leader holds or whether the chase group reels him in. Also watch for the final few holes: McIlroy’s late momentum suggests he’s happy closing out rounds, which could be crucial under Sunday pressure.
Bottom line
The Amgen Irish Open has a leader who shot a near-unstoppable 62, a hometown star back in the hunt after a crisp bogey-free 66, and a tight pack ready to pounce. If you like drama, big crowds and bold scoring, the weekend promises plenty.
FAQ
Q: What did Rory McIlroy shoot in the second round?
A: He carded a bogey-free 6-under 66 to move to 7-under par overall.
Q: Who is leading after 36 holes?
A: A Swedish player leads at 12-under following an outstanding 10-under 62 in round two.
Q: Where is this taking place?
A: The event is being contested at The K Club in County Kildare, near Dublin.
Q: Who else is near the top?
A: Adrien Saddier sits one back at 11-under. Also tied at 7-under with McIlroy are Thorbjørn Olesen, Daniel Hillier and Alfredo Garcia-Heredia.
Q: What should fans expect over the weekend?
A: Expect tight competition, potential leaderboard swings, and plenty of atmosphere as players chase low scores to catch the leader.
Quick Reference: Scores & Key Facts
| Player | Second Round | Total After 36 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leading Swedish player | 62 (10-under) | 12-under | Nine birdies and an eagle in round two; earlier course record at nearby Palmer South. |
| Adrien Saddier | 66 | 11-under | Solid steady scoring — one stroke behind the leader. |
| Rory McIlroy | 66 (bogey-free) | 7-under | Six birdies, two on the final holes; near-albatross attempt on 18 turned birdie. |
| Thorbjørn Olesen | Varied | 7-under | Tied with McIlroy in the chasing pack. |
| Daniel Hillier | Varied | 7-under | Also in the mix for the weekend charge. |
| Alfredo Garcia-Heredia | Varied | 7-under | Another name to watch in the chase pack. |
Final thought: The stage is set — the leader has fired a warning shot, the home favourite is building momentum, and the weekend promises a proper battle. Keep your eyes on the leaderboard; this one could come down to the final green.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ryder Cup Drama Meets Bold American Gear
Rory McIlroy Struggles at Tour Championship, Eyes Future Tournaments
Additional Resources
- Sky Sports: Rory McIlroy Surges into Contention
- BBC Sport: Rory McIlroy’s Performance
- Irish Times: Rory McIlroy’s Blistering Finish
- Golf Monthly: Rory McIlroy Calls for Common Sense
- European Tour: Joakim Lagergren Leads Amgen Irish Open
- Wikipedia: Rory McIlroy
- Google Search: Rory McIlroy Irish Open
- Google Scholar: Rory McIlroy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rory McIlroy
- Google News: Rory McIlroy
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