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McGinley impressed by Rory McIlroy’s mental strength in Irish Open second round

Originally posted on HITC | By Antony Martin | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 7:54 AM ET

Rory McIlroy has put himself in a strong position heading into the weekend at the Irish Open, carding a six-under-par 66 to move within five shots of the lead at The K Club.

He finished with four birdies over his last six holes, and it was just what he needed after some frustration earlier in the week. McIlroy had been put on the clock twice during his opening round, which left him visibly annoyed.

This time around, things felt different. There was a clear shift in his demeanour during Friday’s round, and it didn’t go unnoticed by those watching closely. Paul McGinley, speaking to Sky Sports Golf, said: “That was an impressive day – mentally as much as anything else.”

“It looks like he’s not carrying as much weight this year. He’s not coming in with question marks over whether or not he should have played. He’s spoken very highly of how important this week is,” added McGinley.

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The support from the crowd has been there all week, and Rory knows just how much that can help him along.

Rory McIlroy says motivation isn’t an issue ahead of Ryder Cup

This event is more than just another stop on the schedule; it carries extra significance for him given its proximity to his home club in Northern Ireland.

The Ryder Cup is drawing nearer but this week is about more than that for McIlroy. It’s about performing well on home soil and maybe giving himself a timely boost ahead of one of golf’s biggest events.

Paul McGinley notices shift in Rory McIlroy’s focus at the Irish Open

Paul McGinley shared his thoughts with Sky Sports following Rory McIlroy’s second-round 66 on Friday.

“Rory looked focused today, he certainly did on the back nine,” McGinley said.

The Northern Irishman started to find his rhythm early on, as he picked up shots at the third and fifth holes to move to five under par for the tournament.

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But it was over his final six holes where he caught fire, picking up four more birdies over that stretch.

“This is where he ignited (on the 12th hole). Watch this putt here, it didn’t go in and he was astonished about it, but there was something about Rory, I’ve watched him so many times throughout the years, I could tell the intensity, the concentration levels, the bit between his teeth went to another level.”

There are few more exciting sights in golf than a fired-up Rory McIlroy. And when he gets that look in his eyes – as Paul mentioned – it can often spell danger for those ahead of him on a leaderboard.