DOONBEG, Ireland -- Shane Lowry set the course record with an 8-under 62 at Trump International Ireland on Friday, building a three-shot lead at the Irish Open. He was at 11-under 129, three clear of Haotong Li (63) and the Danish duo of Jacob Skov Olesen and Niklas Norgaard (64 each).

Lowry made birdie on half the holes, with only three outside 10 feet. "Every time I kept making birdie, I just kept going," he said. "I felt like I was in control."

Defending champion Rory Mc Ilroy struggled with his putter, three-putting from 4 feet on the 18th for a 69. He was nine shots back. "It's hard whenever you struggle to read them," Mc Ilroy said.

Joaquín Niemann, the 18-hole leader, shot 70 and was six behind. Patrick Reed had 68 and was seven back. Jon Rahm shot 67 and was at 137.

Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, playing for the first time in a month, holed a 15-foot birdie putt for a 66 to make the cut on the number. President Donald Trump is due for a visit over the weekend.