Rory McIlroy hits his second shot on the 18th hole during the final round of play at the Travelers Championship golf tournament Sunday, June 25, 2017, in Cromwell, Conn. (Brad Horrigan/Hartford Courant via AP)
PORTSTEWART, Northern Ireland — Defending champion Rory McIlroy looks set to miss the cut at the Irish Open in a blow to his preparation for the British Open.
McIlroy shot 1-over 73 Friday in his second round over the links at Portstewart and was 1 over for the tournament, which he is hosting to benefit his foundation. He was four shots off the predicted cut mark.
The No. 4-ranked McIlroy missed the cut at the U.S. Open last month and hasn’t had a victory in an injury-hit 2017 so far.
Jon Rahm, playing in the same group as McIlroy, shot 67 and was a stroke behind leader Daniel Im (67) midway through Day 2.
The British Open starts July 20 at Royal Birkdale.