Rory McIlroy had a change of heart regarding his previous criticisms of the conditions at Aronimink, following an impressive round where he made six birdies, finishing with a four-under-par 66. This performance propelled him back into contention at the US PGA Championship, with the Northern Irish golfer now feeling optimistic about his chances for a seventh major title. Despite a rocky start in the tournament, McIlroy is now only one stroke behind the leaders after a strong showing in the second and third rounds.
Taking on the course in the morning, McIlroy was determined to make up ground and challenge the overnight leaders. Although he briefly reached the four-under mark held by Maverick McNealy and Alex Smalley, a late stumble cost him a shot, leaving him just short of the lead. Reflecting on his previous complaints about the course conditions, McIlroy acknowledged the challenges but also appreciated the excitement it brought to the championship.
Looking ahead to the final round, McIlroy expressed his intention to catch some of the ongoing play while also planning to relax and watch a film to unwind. Despite uncertainties about the leaderboard shifts, he remained confident in his performance and believed he still had a shot at victory. With other contenders making their moves, McIlroy recognized the need to stay focused and capitalize on his opportunities to secure a strong finish.
As the competition intensified on Saturday, McIlroy’s resurgence added to the drama on the leaderboard, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament. Amidst the competitive atmosphere, McIlroy’s determination and strategic mindset positioned him as a serious contender for the US PGA Championship title.