Rory McIlroy has got himself right into the mix to win the Irish Open this weekend after two excellent opening rounds.
McIlroy followed up yesterday’s round of three-under by firing a 70 to go four-under for the tournament and just two off the leader, Matteo Mannassero.
For McIlroy, the Irish Open represents a real chance for him to enjoy himself out on course and look to bring some joy to a crowd that would dearly love him to win.
McIlroy had admitted that there was elements of his game that he was still struggling with despite his excellent day one score.
However, the four-time major winner is right in the mix to win and he’s been speaking about what his mindset is heading into this whole tournament.
Rory McIlroy explains how he’s staying so relaxed at the Irish Open
Speaking to the press in the immediate aftermath of his second round, McIlroy was pressed on how he’s staying so calm despite obvious pressures.
And the Northern Irishman has admitted that just being back in Europe after so long in the USA, means he’s simply happy to be ‘home’.
“I think my mindset has been, I was really excited to get back over to Europe after that sort of long stretch in America. In the summer, those three events and the FedEx Cup Playoffs, I was excited to get back to Europe and play some golf here on the European Tour,” McIlroy said.
“I’m just trying to embrace that the best I can. I’m happy to be here. I don’t feel — yeah, I don’t know, I feel like I really enjoyed coming back to Europe and coming back home even more over the last couple years.
“Just excited to spend more time over here.”
He has been a big advocate for golf in Ireland and McIlroy has even suggested Royal County Down be on the list for The Open in terms of venues.
Of course, that might be out of reach of even his influence but still, he bangs the drum.
What better way, then, to keep banging that drum than winning out this weekend.
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