From ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – Rory McIlroy drove the green at two of St. Andrews’ short par-4 holes, turning one into an eagle and the other into birdie on the way to wresting the lead from John Daly at the British Open.
The 21-year-old Ulsterman broke out of a humdrum start by ripping driver at the 352-yard ninth hole, watching intently as his ball skittered onto the putting surface. He then finished the job with flair, draining the 30-foot eagle chance.
That ignited a run in which McIlroy played his next six holes in 5-under par, chasing down and eventually passing the faltering Daly. He also drove the green at the 348-yard 12th hole, but couldn’t duplicate the eagle and settled for birdie instead.