World number two Rory McIlroy says he "could be a couple closer to the lead" at the halfway stage of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush but described his position as "decent" heading into the weekend.

The top two golfers in the world are firmly in contention at The Open with Scheffler out in front entering another major championship weekend

Rory McIlroy came close to finishing among the leaders in the first round of the Open, but the back nine proved it can be a tough challenge for anyone.

Bookmark this play if Rory McIlroy is in the mix this weekend for the claret jug. McIlroy overcame a shaky driver to turn in a one-under 70 Thursday at Royal Portrush and opened his second round with a birdie.

How to watch every single shot from the biggest names in golf throughout Round 2 at the 2025 Open Championship

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood cannot believe how close Justin Thomas was to a birdie on the third hole on the second day of The Open. The Open round two: Harman leads from Hatton and charging MacIntyre Man Utd agree £65m deal to sign Brentford's Mbeum Race through the life and career of F1 icon,

Rain lashed from above, North Atlantic winds pummeled from the side, and thousands of excited, umbrella-wielding shapes swirled amongst it all, yet the man at the eye of the storm remained entirely unflustered.