Italian Open: In the DS Automobiles Italian Open, Rory McIlroy outperformed Ryder Cup teammate Matt Fitzpatrick in a sprint finish that had multiple dimensions.
After taking three hours to play nine holes, McIlroy’s group appeared unlikely to finish their second round, but they finished the back nine at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in two hours and fifteen minutes.
In order to prevent the group from returning to the course early on Saturday morning, Francesco Molinari even ran from the 17th green to the 18th tee. The play was again suspended two minutes later.
McIlroy finished with birdies on holes 16 and 18, bringing his total to 66, which included an eagle, six birdies, and three bogeys. With a halfway score of nine under par, the world’s second-ranked golfer now has a one-shot advantage over US Open champion Fitzpatrick.
“Probably saved me about three hours in bed tomorrow after getting done so happy about that and obviously looking forward to the weekend now,” McIlroy said.
“I shortsided myself a couple of times today and was able to play some good shots to get myself out of it and holed the putts afterwards.”
Due to their performance at the site of the 2019 Ryder Cup, McIlroy and Fitzpatrick will play in the last group for round three on Saturday.
“Fitz has had an unbelievable year, (winning) his first major championship and he’s really matured into one of the best players in the world. I’m looking forward to going up against him here over the weekend.”
Due to the weather delay on Thursday, Fitzpatrick had to finish his first round on Friday. He recorded two birdies and one bogey to finish with a score of 65.
The world number 11 then began the back nine of his second round, bogeyed the tenth hole, and then made five straight birdies to take a four-shot lead.
Fitzpatrick recorded a 69 after covering the front nine in level par with two bogeys and two birdies despite missing strokes on the 16th and 17th holes and making his first par of the day on the 18th.
“Pretty inconsistent really,” was how Fitzpatrick summed up his day.
“I’ve played some really good stuff, (made) some sloppy mistakes which were obviously disappointing but plenty of birdies, which was always positive. Going into the weekend in the position I’m in, I’m very happy.”
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