McIlroy misses Irish Open cut
Ireland’s pre-tournament favourite cards a two-under-par 69 but misses cut for second year running as Mikko Ilonen leads
Pre-tournament favourite Rory McIlroy missed the Irish Open cut for the second year in succession despite carding a two under-par 69 in round two at the Fota Island Resort in County Cork.
The world number six, let down by an opening 74 in perfect conditions the previous day, lost out by one stroke as he finished with a one-over total of 143.
Finn Mikko Ilonen, the overnight leader, followed his opening course-record 64 with a 68 to stay in front on 10-under 132. Ilonen was two shots ahead of Frenchman Romain Wattel (65), England’s Robert Rock (66) and Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell (66).
McIlroy, who was joint 23rd at the US Open on Sunday, had been looking to move to the top of the Race to Dubai money list and back into the top five of the world rankings.
“It’s very frustrating,” said the Northern Irishman, who won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth last month. “To make six birdies and an eagle and shoot just two under means there were a lot of mistakes and wasteful shots.
“To miss the cut for the second year in a row is not a nice position to be in. I don’t know what else to say, it’s very disappointing.”