McDowell hits top form at Irish Open

Graeme McDowell surged into an early share of the lead at the Irish Open with a sizzling second-round 66.

The Antrim native made his tournament debut when Fota Island last hosted the event in 2002 and finished 27th, but that was one of just six halfway cuts the former US Open champion has made in 12 appearances.

The 34-year-old has never recorded a top-10 finish, but added a 66 to his opening 68 to join England's Robert Rock in the clubhouse lead on eight under par.

"There's always a first time for everything," joked McDowell, who carded six birdies and one bogey.

"Eight under is a nice total and although I don't expect it to be leading at the end of the day it doesn't have to. I am just excited to be in contention."

McDowell admitted he was feeling the effects of last week's exertions in the US Open in the first round, hitting his tee shot on the par-three 17th so poorly that it came up more than 50 yards short of the green.

"I was a little sharper this morning, legs felt fresher," he added. "I missed two fairways, my iron play was better and I putted well.

"The Irish Open brings its own pressure, but it's the proverbial walk in the park compared to last week, which bordered on the unenjoyable. I'm more relaxed, trying to free myself up and enjoy my golf."

Starting from the 10th, McDowell began with three pars before holing from 20 feet for birdie on the par-three 13th, only to promptly give the shot back on the next after failing to get up and down from a greenside bunker.

Joint second after the opening round at Pinehurst before finishing 28th, McDowell bounced back straight away with a birdie on the 15th and then made three in succession from the second.

And, after surprisingly missing from six feet on the fifth, he holed from a similar distance on the seventh to match the 66 of tournament specialist Rock, who had carded seven birdies and two bogeys.

Rock lost a play-off to Shane Lowry at County Louth in 2009, but claimed the first prize of €500,000 as Lowry was still an amateur, while he also finished fifth in 2006 and second to Paul Casey last year.

Overnight leader Mikko Ilonen was level with McDowell and Rock after nine holes.

Gareth Maybin is also well in contention on six under after a flawless 65.

McDowell has raised Irish hopes of a first home victory in the tournament since Shane Lowry in 2009.

Lowry remains one-over par after a 72 and is likely to miss the cut, with Kevin Phelan a shot further back following his 73.

Michael Hoey hit a level-par 71 to remain three-under overall.

More to follow...

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