Shane Lowry set a course record at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg on Friday, firing an eight-under-par round of 62 to take a three-stroke lead at the halfway stage of the 2026 Amgen Irish Open.

The 39-year-old Offaly native put together a nine-birdie display, marred only by a single three-putt bogey at the 13th hole, to reach 11-under par 129 overall through 36 holes. The score surpassed the previous course benchmark on a calm, sunny day in County Clare that offered significantly easier scoring conditions than Thursday's wind-delayed opening round.

Lowry surged early with three consecutive birdies starting at the third hole, including a 22-foot putt on the fourth. He produced another cluster of three birdies from the seventh through ninth to turn in 30 strokes. Back-to-back birdies at the 11th and 12th temporarily raised hopes of a sub-60 round. Following his lone dropped shot on the 13th, he rebounded with a 19-foot birdie putt on the 15th to seal his 62.

Speaking after his round, Lowry described the experience as "real fun" and said he felt in complete control of his game, adding that he aimed to keep his foot on the gas throughout the day. The round matched the second-round 62 Lowry recorded at Baltray during his historic 2009 Irish Open victory as an amateur.

China's Haotong Li shot a second-round 63 to sit tied for second place at eight-under par alongside Danish duo Jacob Skov Olesen and Niklas Nørgaard, who both recorded 64s. Defending champion Rory McIlroy struggled on the greens, posting a two-under 69 to remain nine shots behind the leader heading into the weekend.