Rory McIlroy’s late birdie burst means he’ll be playing on the weekend at the Australian Open

On his fresh air at No 14, the Masters champion said: 'Honestly I can’t remember the last time I had a fresh-air shot. Not one of my finer moments but nice to be able to come back over the last few holes'

Rory McIlroy walks up to the fourth hole during the first round. Pic: AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

Not before a bit of back-nine drama at Royal Melbourne, Rory McIlroy has made the weekend at the Australian Open after shooting a 3-under 68 on Friday to finish inside the 36-hole cut line.

McIlroy, who was 2-under on the tournament, was seven strokes behind leaders Daniel Rodriques (64) and Rasmus Neergaard-Peterson (66), who had 9-under totals of 133.