Rory McIlroy has enjoyed witnessing the buzz created by the exploits of his friend Shane Lowry at the 2026 Amgen Irish Open and hopes he can give Irish golf a further boost by winning on Sunday.
Home hero Lowry drew bumper crowds at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Doonbeg, Ireland as he followed up an opening 67 with a course-record 62 on Friday.
And the Irishman treated the galleries to another stunning performance on Saturday as he and Jacob Skov Olesen put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack.
Six-time Major Champion McIlroy is hopeful his Ryder Cup team-mate can keep up the good work as he looks to win his home event for the second time, having memorably tasted victory as an amateur in 2009.
McIlroy said: "I think there's a great buzz around the tournament because Shane's up there and leading.
"So, yeah, hopefully he keeps it going, that would be great for Irish golf."
Another big talking point on Saturday was the arrival of US President Donald Trump, with players and fans alike looking up to the skies as he made his way to Doonbeg.
McIlroy added: "I think it's Air Force One's maiden voyage, I think. So that was pretty cool.
"Cool to sort of see all that going on."
