Shane Lowry delivered the round of the week at his national Open, carding a course-record 62 at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg to build a three-shot lead heading into the weekend, according to the Associated Press.

Lowry sits at 11-under par, three shots clear of a chasing pack that includes Jacob Skov Olesen, Niklas Norgaard and Haotong Li, all tied for second. A group featuring Ewen Ferguson, Kazuma Kobori, Tom McKibbin, Rasmus Højgaard and Joaquin Niemann sits a further three shots back at 5-under, according to Golfmagic.

McIlroy Struggling in His Own Backyard

It's a rougher week for defending champion Rory McIlroy, the World No. 2, who followed back-to-back rounds of 69 to sit nine shots behind his good friend Lowry at 2-under par — a steep hole to dig out of on a course that has clearly suited Lowry's game.

ELEVEN-UNDER AND ROLLING — LOWRY OWNS DOONBEG THIS WEEK

The tournament carries extra weight this year: Doonbeg has been owned and operated by the Trump Organization since 2014, and President Trump is expected to be in Ireland this weekend as part of a Dublin visit, with plans to travel to the County Clare course and help present the winner's trophy on Sunday. That means Lowry — already a hero to the home crowd after his 2019 Open Championship win — could end up hoisting a trophy handed to him by the U.S. president on his own turf.

Saturday's third round is considered "moving day" on tour, when players still in contention typically push hardest to set up a Sunday charge. With a three-shot cushion and the course clearly playing into his hands, Lowry heads into the weekend as the clear favorite to complete the win in front of an adoring home gallery.

The Amgen Irish Open concludes Sunday at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Doonbeg.