Rory McIlroy survives a strong wind for a 69 to lead Irish Open over Manassero

Rory McIlroy delivered enough superb shots in a strong wind Saturday for a 2-under 69, giving him a one-shot lead over Matteo Manassero in the Irish Open as McIlroy tries to erase two bad memories on home soil. McIlroy had to settle for bogey on the par-5 closing hole at Royal County Down when he hit a half-shank from the rough for his third shot. Manassero, who started the day with a one-shot lead, did his best to hold on.

Rory McIlroy survives a strong wind for a 69 to lead Irish Open over Manassero

Rory McIlroy survives a strong wind for a 69 to lead Irish Open over Manassero

Rory McIlroy survives a strong wind for a 69 to lead Irish Open over Manassero

Rory McIlroy survives a strong wind for a 69 to lead Irish Open over Manassero

Rory McIlroy survives a strong wind for a 69 to lead Irish Open over Manassero