IRISH OPEN: Testing conditions for early starters at Portstewart Golf Club as second rounds tee-off

The weather is to improve as the day goes on, but the strong winds coming off the Atlantic will be a real test for the competitors on Friday.

Overnight leader Daniel Im was one of those off early on Friday morning and by the sixth hole had moved to nine-under with one birdie.

Michael Hoey was level par after four holes to keep him on four-under while defedning champions Rory McIlroy dropped a shot on the third to put him over-over and struggling to make the cut.

Graeme McDowell is out at 1.20pm, he currently sits on five-under after a solid first day on Thursday. He is playing along side Justin Rose who is also five-under.