Rory McIlroy Targets 66 on Saturday to Stay in the Mix at The Open

Rory McIlroy predicts the score he needs to shoot on Saturday to still be able to win The Open. He entered Friday at two-over par, with some work to do just to make the cut. But a second round 67 leaves him seven shots back of the leading Lucas Herbert with two rounds to go.

What happened?

Rory McIlroy bounced back from his poor opening round at The Open. He entered Friday at two-over par, with some work to do just to make the cut. But a second round 67 leaves him seven shots back of the leading Lucas Herbert with two rounds to go.

McIlroy was slightly happier with his round two score. He thinks he still has a chance to win his second Claret Jug, and is targeting at least a 66 on Saturday. He said, "Yeah, it was a little better. Yeah, I felt like I had momentum coming off the end of the front nine there with the two birdies on 8 and 9. I felt like I stole a little bit on the back.

Why it matters for Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy has a target score in mind for tomorrow to get him well in the mix. He thinks he still has a chance to win his second Claret Jug, and is targeting at least a 66 on Saturday. McIlroy was slightly happier with his round two score, and is looking to build on his momentum.

McIlroy said, "Look, I think the main objective today was to be here for the weekend, which I am. I felt like I left a couple out there. Then you look at the board and you see a couple of 62s, and you feel like you could have done a bit better.

What comes next?

Rory McIlroy will be hoping his best golf is ahead of him this weekend. He's targeting a strong finish to his week, and is looking to get off to a decent start on Saturday. McIlroy said, "Yeah, get off to a decent start tomorrow. There's a couple of guys up there, this will be sort of their first experience of playing in the lead at a major championship on the weekend, so there's obviously some that are very experienced at it like Cam and like Sam as well.

Rory McIlroy will be looking to get off to a decent start on Saturday, and is targeting a 66 to stay in the mix. He's seven shots back of the leading Lucas Herbert with two rounds to go, but is still in contention.