Rory McIlroy … R & A Get Two Things Right This Year!

Open Championship leader Rory McIlroy stated the R & A, as organizers of golf’s oldest major, have got two things right this year.

McIlroy, who will take an impressive six shot lead into the final round at Royal Liverpool, was asked after his round what he thought of the R & A’s decision to adopt a two-tee start.

And the question could not have come at a more timely occasion with torrential rain falling on the course some 45 minutes after McIlroy had putted out for eagle in a round of 68 for a 16-under par tally.

“The R & A have got two things right this year and that is the two-tee start today and the other was the decision to take The Open back to Portrush in 2019,” he said smiling.

“But today was a great decision. They got it right.  You don’t want to be stuck out there in that.  Well, I definitely wouldn’t want to be stuck out in that.

“I thought they made a great decision by going with what they did.  And looking at the forecast tomorrow, it looks nice.”

The R & A later issued a post third round statement that said:  “We didn’t move to a two-tee start lightly.”

With conditions more favourable for the final round the first tee time will be at 8.35am and feature the Americans Charley Hoffman and Billy Hurley 111.

McIlroy is out in the last group at 2.40pm paired with Ricky Folwer.

Tiger Woods, who will start the final round at three over par and 19 shots adrift of McIlroy, is out at 9.45am in the company of Jason Duffner.

Rory McIlroy delighted with the R & As decision to adopt a two tee start as he will now take a six shot lead into the final round.  (Photo - Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

Rory McIlroy delighted with the R & As decision to adopt a two tee start as he will now take a six shot lead into the final round. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)



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