Rory McIlroy has long cherished Royal County Down. Now, he's in position to win on the legendary links for the first time.

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry both remain in contention after their second rounds of the Irish Open despite failing to take full advantage of the benign conditions at Royal County Down.

Rory McIlroy battled through the elements at Royal County Down and now holds a one-shot lead going into the final round of his national open.

The last time Royal County Down hosted the Amgen Irish Open in 2015, tournament host Rory McIlroy missed the cut with rounds of 80 and 71. Nine years later, the world number three will head into Sunday’s final round with a one-shot lead over Matteo Manassero in pursuit of what would be his first professional win on Northern Irish soil.