Search icon

Golf

29th Nov 2014

‘Jekyll and Hyde’ Rory McIlroy one off Australian Open lead

The world number one went seven holes without carding a par

Patrick McCarry

The world number one had a topsy-turvy second round but is well in the hunt to retain his title

Rory McIlroy carded a -2 round of 69 to lie just one shot off the Australian Open pace set by Greg Chalmers (-5). His round was described by Sky Sports commentators as having a touch of the ‘Jekyll and Hydes’.

America’s Jordan Spieth is second on -4. World number two Adam Scott (-2) is poised to strike on the penultimate day after going around the Kensington course in 66 strokes.

The Northern Irishman’s round was a rollercoaster. He found the water twice but responded with five birdies and an eagle. Such was the tremulous nature of his round that McIlroy did not record a par from the 10th hole on. He closed out his round with a fine bunker shot and birdie tap-in.

McIlroy’s putter saved him on many occasions during his third round, as evidenced with this two-tier beauty.

Putting proved the downfall of local golfer, and past Major winner, Geoff Ogilvy early in his round as he took three attempts to get rid of his ball on the seventh.

WATCH: Liverpool BOTTLED the title race 🤬 | Who will win the Premier League?