Can anyone catch McIlroy?

bruced
August 10, 2014

Rory McIlroy remains at the top of the leaderboard going into the final day of the US PGA Championship.

The Northern Irishmen was only one under for his round when he arrived at the 15th tee. However, he would birdie that par four and the 16th, par the 17th and earn another birdie on the par five final hole for a four under 67. The round leaves him on 13 under for the tournament.

The late flurry of birdies gave McIlroy a slender one stroke lead over surprise package Bernd Wiesberger. The PGA Championship is the Austrian’s sixth appearance in a Major and only the second time that he has made the cut.

Nevertheless, Wiesberger picked his way around Valhalla to show some fine form, carding six birdies to finish up with a 65, his lowest round of the weekend.

“It was a dream come true really, going out there with Phil (Mickelson), one of my heroes,” the 28-year-old told Sky Sports.

“I played beautifully today, I didn’t miss a lot of shots, set up a few nice opportunities on the last few holes especially. I’m very proud of myself the way I played.

“It’s a completely new situation for me, only my second cut in a major in six attempts, so I am quite a rookie in this particularly situation. I have driven it really nicely this week and if I can do it again it will settle down the nerves and I am going to have fun tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, McIlroy is looking to use his experience at last month’s Open to his advantage. During the final round at Royal Liverpool, Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler put some pressure on him, but he managed to stay on top.

“The guys got pretty close to me at the Open and today and I was able to respond on the back nine,” said the three time Major winner.

“It’s not the biggest lead I’ve ever had but I am still in control of this tournament and it’s still a good position to be in. I just knew I needed to make a couple (of birdies) coming down the back nine to keep the lead or at least be tied. The two birdies on 15 and 16 were huge.”

After a third round 67, Fowler is sitting two shots behind McIlroy on eleven under, while Australia’s Jason day and Phil Mickelson are a further shot back.