MCILROY WITHIN STRIKING DISTANCE AT ARONIMINK
Rory McIlroy moved to within three of the lead heading into the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club (Photo: PGA Championship)
Rory McIlroy moved into the fast lane on moving day with a third‑round 66 to move firmly into contention heading into the final day of the PGA Championship at Aronimink in Pennsylvania.
After two days of battling, the Northern Ireland hero found his rhythm, carding six birdies in all and climbing to three‑under‑par, just three shots behind overnight leader Alex Smalley.
McIlroy’s round was built on patience while taking advantage of the softer morning greens, by rolling in birdies at three, five and seven to turn in 32. He dropped a shot at the 11th but responded with a pair of birdies to record his lowest score of the week.
The performance leaves McIlroy perfectly placed for a final day tilt. He has not lifted the Wanamaker Trophy since 2014, but the familiar Saturday surge rekindled the sense that he remains one of the most dangerous players on the leaderboard.
"I've progressively just got a little bit closer to the lead each day,” said McIlroy. "I've climbed my way out of that hole a little bit... I'm proud of myself for doing that, but there's one more day left. Depending on what the guys do, be close enough to the lead, I feel like I've still got a good chance.
"I think it's just setting yourself little targets. Yesterday I set myself a target of getting back to even par for the tournament, didn't quite get there, was one shy.
"I feel like I still did enough to think I have a chance going into tomorrow."
Smalley finds himself at the top of the leaderboard on six-under. The American carded an eventful third round 68. Three bogeys in his opening four holes threatened to unravel any challenge, but a fine stretch of scoring on the back nine steadied the ship and restored his advantage.
Smalley leads by two from a large chasing pack on four-under that includes Matti Schmid (65), Nick Taylor (65), Jon Rahm (67), Aaron Rai (67) and Ludvig Aberg (68). McIlroy is a shot further back on three under alongside Xander Schauffele (66), Patrick Reed (67) and Maverick McNealy.
Padraig Harrington rolled back the years with a fine 67 to be six back on level par. The Dubliner (54) said earlier in the week he still relishes the grind of Major golf, and his Saturday showing demonstrated his grit and experience as a three-time Major winner, who won the PGA Championship back in 2008 at Oakland Hills.
Shane Lowry had a more turbulent afternoon to sign for a 70 to be tied 64th on four-over. After a promising start to the tournament, the Offaly man has struggled to maintain any momentum. Tom McKibbin missed the cut.