McIlroy leads in Rome

THE test run of next year’s Ryder Cup course would suggest the Marco Simone Country Club sits favourably with some of Europe’s leading stars, with Rory McIlroy leading the Italian Open from Matt Fitzpatrick after two rounds.

Both will be key figures in Luke Donald’s team for the match against the US next October, as might Tyrrell Hatton, who sits sixth on five under, four off McIlroy. Among the key motivations of their visit to Rome has been reconnaissance of a course that pumps out plenty of birdies, particularly on its back nine, but has sufficient water and thick rough to provide some balance. In near darkness, McIlroy completed a second-round loop of 66 to reach nine under following his opening 67. Fitzpatrick shot a turbulent 69 in his second round to sit eight under, one adrift of McIlroy.