Shane Lowry surges at Truist Championship as Keith Mitchell leads the way in Philadelphia PGA Tour Signature tournament
Shane Lowry sits just one stroke off the lead at the halfway mark of the Truist Championship in Philadelphia.
And defending champion Rory McIlroy is also firmly in contention at the sixth Signature event of the 2025 calendar.
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Shane Lowry carded the best score of the day during the second round at the Truist Championship
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Lowry is second behind midway leader Keith Mitchell at the Signature event
Keith Mitchell leads the no-cut event on 12 under par after carding a 67 in damp and chilly conditions.
But it was
Lowry made an electric start, picking up four birdies in his opening eight holes. A bogey on the 10th threatened to halt his momentum, but the 38-year-old responded in spectacular fashion by draining a 53-foot putt on the 11th — a bold effort that could just as easily have raced past.
He added another birdie at the 15th to reach 11 under par heading into the weekend.
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Speaking after his round, Lowry acknowledged his comfort in challenging rainy weather.
The round started earlier than usual as the tour brought forward tee-time.
He stated: 'Everyone says that to me every day when it rains,' he said. 'I live in South Florida, and I plan to be there now.
"No, I think I'm able to handle them probably better than a few people, but I don't particularly like or enjoy going out and playing in these conditions — but yeah, I handle them well.'
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The Clara native's Austrian Ryder Cup team-mate Sepp Straka is one stroke further back on 10 under, while McIlroy is five behind Mitchell after rounds of 66 and 67.
The world number two made six birdies and three bogeys in round two.
Top golf star with £31m career earnings faces missing rest of the season and Ryder Cup as he reveals he needs surgery
The Masters champion said: 'Even when I feel like I haven't played my best, I find a way.
'I think that's when I talk about being a more complete golfer — if one part of my game isn't on, then I can maybe lean into another part, like today holing quite a few putts and making my score that way rather than hitting the ball unbelievably well.'
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Irish Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Celtic legend on Martin O'Neill, working in a burger van and leukaemia battle
Stiliyan 'Stan' Petrov joined Glasgow Celtic from CSKA Sofia in 1999 and had a torrid time initially — before working in a burger van put him right. Four SPL titles, three SFA Cups, three League Cups, player of the year, a UEFA Cup runners-up medal, 228 appearances and 64 goals later, he would rejoin Martin O'Neill at Aston Villa. Many would pinpoint the standout win of his Celtic career as the 2002/03 two-legged UEFA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool, 1-1 at Paradise before a sensational 2-0 win at Anfield in the second leg. He he joined Villa in 2006, and would remain until pre-season 2016. While in Birmingham, he won a Sunday League junior football cup, a success Petrov describes as the biggest victory of his life. Diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March 2012, Petrov retired from football in May 2013 and after spells as Villa youth coach in 2013, assistant coach in 2015, he would resume full-time training with the first team squad ahead of the 2016/17 season. 'Leukaemia was probably the toughest of my own opponents,' he says. 'It was something that I had to battle really hard. 'It was three years of a difficult battle, highs and lows, dark moments, mental issues. But you know what, it just shows you how strong we are as human beings and it's something that I will always remember, I'll never forget. 'I was fortunate to have a great family, a great, great wife, Paulina, she kind of put her life aside to make sure that she looked after me. 'And that's why I have a foundation, based in Bulgaria, England and Spain, I always like to help because I know how important the support is and helping others makes a huge difference. 'We support over 50 hospitals around the world. We create events, we raise funds, and we donate money for other people to have a better treatment and better life.' That 2016/17 pre-season tour with the Villans saw Petrov score in an 8-0 win over Austrian team GAK, but he was not offered a contract by then-boss Roberto De Matteo. Yet still, Petrov had come a long way since arriving at Celtic as a teenager in 1999. 'Obviously the start was tough for me, I'd a new coach, the speed of the football as well made it even more difficult,' explains the former Bulgaria international. 'But mainly, I felt that not being able to communicate with my teammates pushed me further from the dressing-room, so it was making sure that I understand what's happening in the dressing-room and I felt that I had to find a solution. 'And my solution at that time was I had a friend who was Scottish, he owned the burger van and obviously noticed that I couldn't speak English, I couldn't explain things — I couldn't place an order. 'We started with basic things and, I'll never regret it because that gave me a chance to stay at Celtic and be successful.' It proved to be a seven-year stay, 1999-06, that coincided with an eclectic set of talented stars. 'I've enjoyed playing with pretty much everyone, he says. 'We had a very, very strong team in my time and, obviously, Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton, they are ones that you can pick out. 'But I've played with some great players with some great characters as well, Neil Lennon, Paul Lambert, Joos Valgaeren, Johan Mjallby and, further down the line, playing with Shunsuke Nakamura, who was exceptional as well.' The week-in, week-out support of the fans at Celtic was exceptional. 'I loved playing in front of the Celtic fans because they're passionate, they love the club and they follow everywhere the club goes. 'I actually spoke with Lenny the other day, he doesn't really play anymore, he is a bit big now! I think the last game he played was my testimonial at Celtic Park.' Martin O'Neill was a key man for Petrov. 'I got on very well with him, still have a great friendship after he finished managing and I finished my career. 'We still keep in touch. We do a lot of events together. 'I still call him Gaffer, I love him, we have that much respect, he is just unique and weird in his own way, but in a very nice way. 'He's a great man-manager, knows how to motivate players, how to handle players with a character. 'He had one strong side, which is he always wanted to win and he sent that message every single day in a dressing-room and that made a huge difference.' Contrary to popular belief and despite being O'Neill's first signing, Petrov didn't 'follow him' to Villa. 'It wasn't my intention to go and play with Martin again,' reveals Petrov. 'I was down to sign for Portsmouth when Harry Redknapp and Portsmouth were doing very well. 'It's funny how things work but me and Gareth Barry, who was at Villa where Martin O'Neill was fighting to keep him, we both were going down to sign for Portsmouth, but we both ended up at Aston Villa. 'The opportunity to work with Martin was a great pleasure because I knew how he worked. I knew how dependable he was and I loved playing under him at Aston Villa.' There was always a big club feel about Villa and their noisy Holt End fans. 'The fans at Villa are very demanding and I loved that. 'Under Martin, he created a really strong team, a really competitive team, with some good balance and a good mix between experienced players and younger players. 'And I think if you look at the Villa now they're kind of continuing that, they want to have a competitive team, not just domestically, but on the European stage as well.' Under O'Neill, there were three consecutive sixth-place Premier League finishes, an FA cup semi-final in 2010 and three European football seasons, 2009-11. But it was a different trophy at a different club in Birmingham that would mean the world to Petrov, a sign he was winning the fight for life against acute leukemia. Wychall Wanderers were managed by former Coventry City defender David Busst, and offered Petrov a lifeline. 'I'd won leagues and cups in Bulgaria, three leagues in Scotland but, for me, after going through my treatment, being able to go back on a pitch and kick the ball was the best days because I was looking forward to every Sunday,' reveals Petrov. 'I've even changed the schedule for the boys, not drinking on a Friday or a Saturday if we are playing, Sunday breakfast in the morning, getting ready for the game. 'So the boys kind of loved it too because I've demanded so much from them but for me, being on the pitch again, kicking the ball and being able to run again, even if I was heavier at that time, I loved every single minute. 'Even going to the pub after where nobody shies away from a beer and I loved that. It was the best because when you win the game, you know what, you have a pint with your friends. 'You discuss the game, what's happening in the Premier League, world football, you have great craic and build up for the next weekend.' The former Villa captain feels there is more to come from his old side as they look to build on a first-ever Champions League campaign. They were beaten 5-4 on aggregate in the quarter-finals by eventual winners PSG, finished sixth in the league and made the last four in the FA Cup. Indeed, eight wins in the last ten Premier League games, their two losses coming in Manchester against City and then United on the last day, saw them only miss out on CL participation on goal difference. 'It's great what they have achieved in the last two seasons,' says 'Stan'. 'The Champions League performance there has been incredible last season, this year it will be Europa League but I think they won't really bother about that because there will be another European competition. 'And with a super manager in Unai Emery, the team and the way he works, and with my two favourites, Morgan Rogers and 'Super' John McGinn, they've got a good chance to go further in that competition.' Petrov notes Ireland's recent form under new management — four wins, four losses and two draws. But the ex-Bulgaria international has warned against misplaced optimism about the 'win' column as his country accounts for two of those four. Bulgaria may have been to seven World Cups (finishing fourth in 1994) but they have not been to a major championship since Euro 2004 and are uncompetitive at present. Recent Bulgaria results include a five-goal defeat to Northern Ireland, four-goal defeats to Greece, Switzerland, a 5-2 reverse at home to Georgia, and draws with Belarus (twice), Cyprus and Luxembourg. 'Bulgarian football is shadowed by corruption and match-fixing and people who depend on political support,' says Petrov, who made a record 105 appearances and scored eight goals for his country. 'And this makes it even harder for the younger players, for the coaches and for all the football ecosystem in Bulgarian football to flourish because we've been struggling for many, many years and it seems like we are still struggling. 'We used to play against teams, against Ireland, against the North, and expect to win, now you can see how far we are behind. 'We are a football nation and I think the fans and people around football want a change but it seems like people who run the carpentry, do the building, don't want to change and this is the biggest downfall for Bulgarian football.' Ranked No.3 in the world in June 1995, Bulgaria currently languish 71st. 'I'm not surprised they could not win against Ireland, I'm not surprised at all. I mean, our national team, our players, are really struggling to play in the big teams and the big leagues, to create leaders, which was a really big problem for Bulgarian football and this has been going on for the last 20 years. 'And it seems like there's more people who don't want to change then want to change something for good.' ***Stiliyan Petrov will be featuring in a Premier League XI playing against Ayrfield Utd (founded 1977) at Blinden Drive, Coolock, Dublin, today. The game is a fundraiser for Ayrfield Utd's new clubhouse, youth club and sensory room for neurodivergent children and adults within the community, i.e. people with autism, ADHD, Asperger syndrome. And what a team it is! Premier League XI (courtesy LegendsXI/Tony Browne): David James; Stephen Carr, Ian Harte, Jaap Stam, Wes Browne; Karol Poborsky, Jason McAteer, Keith Gillespie; Jermaine Beckford, Yakubu - plus guests.
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
McGregor 'punch' incident came as he flew entire football team out to Ibiza
Conor McGregor has revealed he paid to take all of his Black Forge Inn teammates to Ibiza to celebrate their recent league title win. The two-weight UFC champion has been playing for his pub's over 35 team, who won the UCFL Premier Division title last month. McGregor jetted the team out to the party island of Ibiza to mark the success. "To celebrate winning the league I took the @blackforgeinn football squad away on holiday to Ibiza! All expenses paid, VIP's," the Dubliner wrote on social media as he shared a number of photos and videos from the trip. He continued: "LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, BABY! Reach out, link up, join a team! Get active! For the sake of your mental health you will thank yourself! #ibizapartyisland." McGregor was involved in an alleged incident at a nightclub while on the Spanish island. In the early hours of Tuesday, at Pacha nightclub, The Sun released footage that allegedly showed the Irishman appearing to peer down to address an unidentified man in the middle of the dancefloor. Merely moments later, the 36-year-old appeared to throw two punches. The man hit the deck, and onlookers have since come forward to recount their version of the alleged incident. One individual - who saw the whole thing - claimed there did not appear to be any consequences for the former dual-weight UFC champion. "The guy seemed to fall to the floor, and his mates came to pick him up and get him away," he told The Sun. "There [didn't appear to be any] consequences for Conor." Another said: "About five people fell to the floor as the guy stumbled back. It was a bit like bowling pins, but the guy was really shaken." They added: "About a minute later, the bouncers came and got him on the back and took him out of the club." "It was right before close anyway," they continued. "There was no messing around; they just removed him. Conor left through the garden a bit later; he didn't look very happy." The scuffle unfolded mere hours after McGregor was seen on the island alongside Katie Price. The MMA icon was decked out in red shorts, a cap, and sunnies, casually indulging in a cigar. Price took to Instagram to post a snap with McGregor, captioning it with: "You legend," following a shout-out from McGregor in his own story, where he penned: "Forever." Spurs' defender and Austrian national player Kevin Danso also shared a moment with the ex-featherweight and lightweight UFC champ on his social media. McGregor later updated his social media, writing on X: "You won't speak bad about my country and its people and that's ever. Vote McGregor." Later, McGregor flaunted several snaps on Instagram, showcasing one amidst a group of blokes and another posing beneath an image of Al Pacino in the iconic 1983 movie Scarface. This was not McGregor's first heated moment at an Ibiza bash. Three years prior, he angrily trampled on a fan's hat after it was lobbed at him for an autograph during his 34th birthday festivities. McGregor gave the person a mock thumbs up and then hurled jibes their way. The last time McGregor graced the Octagon was when he succumbed to his old foe Dustin Poirier in 2021. He had plans for a UFC return against Michael Chandler the following year but was side-lined by an injury he picked up whilst training. It remains unclear whether he will make a return to competitive action. However, he has been hinting at a possible comeback by sharing numerous training videos in recent weeks.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Rory McIlroy smiling again after stunning 64 at Travelers Championship – but Scottie Scheffler is the man to catch
As Austin Eckroat shot 62 to set the pace at TPC River Highlands, the world number two made 108 feet of putts to share second in the clubhouse with US Ryder Cup skipper Keegan Bradley and Wydham Clark, who apologised for smashing lockers at Oakmont. 'It was good,' McIlroy said. 'I said yesterday, this is a nice tonic compared to last week in terms of it's a slightly more benign golf course and the penalty for missing isn't quite as severe. 'You can give yourself plenty of chances for birdies, which Keegan and I did today. 'Overall, it was a good start to the tournament, and I think when you're in a two-ball like that we can sort of feed off one another a little bit, too, that's nice, as well.' 'I've had a lot of highs and lows in my career, especially this year some lows,' said the former US Open champion, who missed the cut by a shot last week. 'I made a mistake that I deeply regret. I'm very sorry for what happened. 'But I'd also like to move on, not only for myself but for Oakmont, for the USGA, and kind of focus on the rest of this year and things that come up. I still want to try to make the Ryder Cup team.' Scottie Scheffler fired an eagle and seven birdies in an eight-under 62 to grab a share of the lead as he chases his fourth win in his last six starts. The world number one leapfrogged Rory McIlroy at the top of the FedEx Cup standings thanks to wins in the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, the US PGA, and the Memorial Tournament. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more He was also joint seventh in last week's US Open without playing his best golf and insists he drew confidence from his performance at Oakmont. 'The way I swung it the first couple rounds was pretty poor,' Scheffler said of the US Open following an impressive opening round at TPC River Highlands. 'I mean, I was not getting the ball in play. I don't know if you saw much of it, but it wasn't very pretty. 'But I was very proud of the way I stayed in the tournament, and I still gave myself a chance to win. 'That gives me a lot of confidence going forward that I could - especially on a golf course like Oakmont where you know you have to get the ball in play – and I wasn't able to do that in the beginning of the tournament. 'And to hang in there, flirt with the cut line on Friday, have a good finish to my round Friday, kind of bounce back, get myself back in the tournament to give myself an opportunity to win was I felt like pretty good. I gained some confidence from that. 'It's also just good reflection knowing that it's really important for me just to stay in it mentally, and I felt like last week was, oddly enough, as good as I've been mentally on the course throughout the season.' It was also a good day for Leona Maguire, who was just four shots off the lead after opening with a battling level par 72 in the KPMG Women's PGA in Texas. The Co Cavan star, who arrived at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco struggling for form on the back of four successive missed cuts, made two birdies and two bogeys in a solid round as Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul shot 68 to head Australia's Minjee Lee by one stroke. On the HotelPlanner Tour, Max Kennedy (23) planned a dip in the sea to cool off after scorching to a 10-under-par course record 60 to grab the lead in the Blot Play9 Golf in Brittany. The Royal Dublin rookie (23) made six birdies and two eagles in a career-low round at Bluegreen de Pléneuf Val André to lead by four strokes from England's James Morrison. 'Yeah, very happy,' said 72nd-ranked Kennedy, who can take a massive leap this week in the race for 20 DP World Tour cards. 'Obviously, a very nice round. I didn't miss a whole lot of shots, and it was even nicer to save a good par on the last. 'It would have been nice to give myself a chance on the last for a 59, but still, I'll take a 60.' While Kilkenny's Mark Power was joint fourth after a 66, Ballymena's Dermot McElroy followed an eagle two at his first hole with a quintuple bogey 10 at the next, the 11th, en route to an 84. Meanwhile, County Louth's Gavin Tiernan (19) used all his links experience to battle his way into the quarter-finals of the Amateur Championship at Royal St George's. But while he beat Belgium's Jarno Tollenaire by two holes before seeing off France's Gaspar Glaudas 3&2 to take his place in the last eight, he's not dreaming of the Masters place awarded to the champion just yet. 'No, I'm just taking it hole by hole, one shot at a time,' said the East Tennessee State University star, who will face Estonia's Richard Teder in the quarter-finals. 'That's been my motto this week, just one shot at a time.'
