World No. 2 Rory McIlroy is determined to unleash a full-blown hurricane at England’s Graeme ‘Stormy’ Storm over the final round of the BMW South African Open.
McIlroy shrugged off lingering effects of a back injury to post an eagle and five birdies in a round of 67 to move to second place at 14-under par on the Glendower course on the outskirts of Johannesburg.
Storm retained his lead on day three of the $US 7m event to move three clear of the four-time Major champ with a bogey-free 67 and a 17-under par tally.
And for a second day running the 251st world ranked Englishman kept the bogeys off his card and just a few months after losing his card by Euro 100 but then retaining full Tour membership when Patrick Reed was removed from the money list.
However main spectator interest continues to be McIlroy and competing in the event for a first time since 2008 and also starting a New Year away from Abu Dhabi also for a first occasion since 2012.
Rory McIlroy on route to a 67 on day three of the BMW SA Open. (Photo – www.europeantour)
McIlroy had complained of a back injury post Friday’s 68 and was headed straight for the event physio after the round.
And he was clearly still in some pain as evident by McIlroy’s short warm-up on the range while he was observed popping a few pills early in his round.
McIlroy said: “My back was pretty bad this morning, it was quite uncomfortable and I needed painkillers through the night and I took some more anti-inflammatories on the sixth hole and then it actually felt okay.
“I’m in a good position going into the final round in my first competitive tournament with them. I’m hitting the ball very well off the tee and it’s given me a few opportunities on this golf course to score.”
What is pain-free is McIlroy’s new equipment and a mix of Callaway clubs, Titleist wedges and back to using a Titliest ball.
Four years ago McIlroy signed in a blazing fan-fare with Nike but then left the company as crimson-faced as he then new driver missing the Abu Dhabi HSBC cut with a pair of 75s.
He said: “I feel good and I’m happy with the equipment.
“I’m comfortable with the golf ball, I’m hitting the driver well, fairway woods are going good, iron play is decent and the wedge play is okay.”
Scot David Drysdale, who played alongside McIlroy, let slip his superb second round work slipping to T16th place with a 71 and a 10-under par tally.
There was one great highlight when the Borders ace went within a foot of holing his second shot for an albatross at the eighth.
