McIlroy on the move

McIlroy: joint leader

Second-round leaderboard
GB and Ire unless stated
-11 R McIlroy
-11 R Ramsay
-11 M Hoey
-10 S Dyson
-10 M Ilonen (Fin)
-10 A Forsyth
-10 R McGowan

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A superb seven-under-par 65 has taken Rory McIlroy into the joint lead of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship after two rounds.

The 20-year-old, who played at St Andrews on Friday, stands at the top of the leaderboard with fellow Ulsterman Michael Hoey and Scotland's Richie Ramsay on 11-under-par.

McIlroy needs a top-two finish this weekend to go top of the European money list and has given himself a good opportunity to do just that having come from four strokes off the pace at the start of the day.

He birdied the third hole and then eagled the 568-yard fifth with a five-wood to 12 feet.

Three more birdies were to follow before a stumble three holes from home - McIlroy three-putting for what has been his only bogey of the week so far.

But that was quickly forgotten as the Dubai Desert Classic champion proceeded to birdie the last two holes.

McIlroy is competing in the pro-am event with his father Gerry, who told him on their way to the 17th tee: "You've finished 3-3 before, so why not do it again?"

His son tamed the famous Road Hole by hitting a drive and seven-iron to 15 feet before making the putt.

McIlroy then smashed another drive onto the 18th green 350 yards away - something he had never done before - and two-putted.

Fantastic

Before transferring to Kingsbarns for the third round, McIlroy - who finished third in the event two years ago in what was only his second professional appearance - said: "I think playing with my Dad will be a great distraction.

"Growing up I never thought he'd be able to walk up the 18th at St Andrews with me in this big a tournament. It's fantastic."

Playing at Carnoustie, overnight leader Thomas Bjorn could only add a two-over-par 74 to his opening 64 at Kingbarn - the Dane dropping down to a tie for 20th as a result.

Meanwhile, Ramsay, who is playing following Paul Casey's withdrawal and who is looking for a top 10 finish to secure his card, shot 66 at St Andrews, while Hoey had the same score at Carnoustie.

Scot Alastair Forsyth, English pair Simon Dyson and Ross McGowan and Finland's Mikko Ilonen are all one shot adrift.

Ryder Cup trio Oliver Wilson, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley are all at eight under and Luke Donald is only one further back.

Donald appeared set for an even better round when, playing with ex-footballer Jamie Redknapp, he covered the first 14 holes at St Andrews in eight under.

Bogeys at the 15th and 17th followed, but he then birdied the last to match McIlroy's 65.

Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie stands on a one over total and is in danger of missing the 54-hole cut.

The Scot double-bogeyed the Road Hole whilst playing partner Tim Henman - a scratch-handicapper at Sunningdale - made birdie.

The pair's 13-under par total puts them in joint 43rd place in the team event - only the top 20 pairs going through to Sunday's final round on the Old Course.

Amazing

Australia's former Test captain Steve Waugh and compatriot Scott Strange lead on 21 under after combining for an amazing better-ball of 58 at Kingsbarns.

Waugh, who plays off a nine handicap, had no less than five gross birdies in his round.

Manuel De Los Santos continues to inspire, the one-legged golfer on course to make the cut with England's Richard Bland.

After a 66 at Kingsbarns they went three better at Carnoustie to be in a tie for 13th on 15 under.