Day two of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is underway, with the two early leaders from Day One both out on the course.
Masters champion Danny Willett carded eight birdies and a solitary bogey at the K Club in a seven-under-par 65 to finish on top.
He was two shots ahead of McIlroy, who has missed the cut in this event for the last three years, and teed off at 8.25 this morning.
Willet, teeing off at 8.35am says he likes the course.
“The golf course is in great condition,” he said. “Greens are very, very good for this time of year, it’s a great course.
“First time I’ve been able to play here, ever.”
Danny Willett's 65 in under three minutes.https://t.co/GjXvQQviBD
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 19, 2016
Wicklow’s Paul Dunne was two under for the day yesterday and was also out early this morning.
Graeme McDowell is one under and starts at 8.45am while Shane Lowry, who is also one under, is on the course at 1.25pm and says he’s enjoying the home support.
“It’s nice to see everyone there and it does give me a lift,” Lowry said after finishing yesterday. “It makes me want to do well in this tournament, even more so than I want to do myself.
“It’s nice, I just hope I can give them something to cheer about.”