Amateur Lowry leads with round of 62

Irish amateur Shane Lowry is the surprise leader at the halfway stage of the 2009 Irish Open after a stunning second round 62 fired him into a three-stroke lead.

Graeme McDowell from Northern Ireland carded a course record 61 in what was easily the lowest round of the tournament so far, a full 16 shots better than his first round.

But the shot of the day - and maybe even of the tournament - came from 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie. The Scotsman made a hole in one at the 17th, allowing him to pick up a shiny new car.

Nine birdies and just two bogeys helped to fire Robert Rock further into contention. The Englishman improved on his opening round of 66 by a single stroke.

However, the surprise leader at the halfway mark is local amateur Shane Lowry. The 22 year old demonstrated his impressive local knowledge with a round of 62. He now takes a three-stroke lead going into the weekend.