Rory McIlroy stayed in the Australian Open after sinking a clutch birdie on the 18th hole of his second round at Royal Melbourne. The 2013 champion shot a three-under 68, moving to two-under overall and squeezing inside the cut line.
McIlroy, returning to the event for the first time since 2014, finished strongly with three birdies in his last four holes after a mixed opening round. He now sits seven shots behind co-leaders Daniel Rodrigues and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen at nine-under.
Speaking to Sky Sports, McIlroy said improved conditions helped him rebound: “It definitely played like a different course… not my best stuff, but it was nice to finish the way I did.”
The Masters champion believes a fast start on Saturday could put him back in contention: “Seven isn’t too far back. If I can shoot a good one tomorrow, I can get right back into it.”
Scotland’s Cameron Adam also made the cut after a superb 64, while two-time Australian amateur champion Jeff Guan narrowly missed out.
