GOLF
2024 Irish Open: Round 3 Saturday tee times, pairings, and featured groups
Italy’s Matteo Manassero tops the leaderboard after the second day of action in Newcastle, Co.Down.
Verona native Matteo Manassero leads the way in the Irish Open with inclement weather the feature of the day for the golfers at the picturesque course in Newcastle, Co. Down (Northern Ireland).
The Italian made two eagles on his way to a 5-under 66 for a one-shot lead in the Irish Open on Friday with home favourite Rory McIlroy finishing on a had a 70 for the day which is two shots behind the Italian.
Temperatures dropped to a wintry 58 degrees Fahrenheit with many of the players opting for winter warmers and woolen hats to cope with the cold and adverse conditions as Manassero opened with an 8-foot eagle putt,
Manassero, who won this year in South Africa on the European tour, was at 6-under 136. He was one shot ahead of Todd Clements (71) and Laurie Canter (68). McIlroy was tied with Ewen Ferguson of Scotland (69) and Alejandro Del Rey of Spain (71) with the other local favourite Shane Lowry tied in 19th position at 1 over.