Rory McIlroy ‘optimistic’ despite long climb ahead to catch Phil Mickelson

Rory McIlroy may have a long climb ahead of him this weekend if he is to get his hands back on the Claret Jug he first won two years ago, but despite a difficult second round at Royal Troon the four-time major champion insisted he was happy with his lot.

What is more, the Irishman insisted winning the 145th Open Championship tomorrow evening was for him very much a mission possible. McIlroy, 27, began yesterday’s play eight shots off the lead and will start the weekend in precisely the same scenario. Halfway leader Phil Mickelson, with a second-round 69, holds a one-shot lead at 10 under par over Sweden’s Henrik Stenson with Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen, the master of Royal County Down at last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, sharing third place with American Keegan Bradley on seven under par.

All of the above were clearly on the right side of the draw for the first two rounds having started on Thursday afternoon and early yesterday when expected downpours did not arrive until late morning, towards the end of their rounds. Defending champion Zach Johnson was another treated kindly by the draw, following his opening 67 with a one-under 70 to occupy fifth place at five under on a leaderboard that was not threatened in the afternoon wave as the winds strengthened and heavy rains returned to Royal Troon.