Rors Bursts Back Into BMW Championship Contention As Clark Declares He’s Playing Better Than In Capturing A Second US Open

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Rory McIlroy kept alive hopes of joining Tiger Woods as the only two golfers to capture both the Masters and the BMW Championship in the same season thanks to a rousing ‘moving day’ five-under 65 on the host Bellerive course in St. Louis, Missouri.

After going missing on day two of the $20m event, McIlroy found all forward gears in grabbing the then clubhouse lead at 12-under before overnight second round leader and fellow US Open champion Wyndham Clark continued to stamp his presence, signing also for a 65 to move to an impressive 17-under par and lead by five heading to the final day.

McIlroy shares second with American Patrick Cantlay who signed for a 66.

McIlroy’s third round was a mix of just two birdies over his opening 11 holes before finishing birdie (13), bogey (14), three birdies in succession from 15 and a par on 18,

“Yeah, I think I needed to be patient the last three days, because my game has, it’s been good in parts, but then it’s been a struggle in other ways,” said McIlroy.

“I didn’t hit my first fairway today until the 10th hole. Playing this golf course from the rough isn’t fun. But I hung in there, my short game saved me a couple of times. And I got some momentum coming in with those birdies on 15, 16 and 17 and then a good up-and-down at the last.

“I’m in a good spot going into tomorrow in terms of where I’m at on the leaderboard, but it’s going to take a heroic effort from one of us to catch Wyndham.

Qn: Looks like you’ll play in the last group with Wyndham. What’s too far back, and how do you approach the final round coming from behind? Is it good to be in the final group?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, it’s good to be in the final group, but when you start six, seven back, that’s a lot make up. But if I focus on myself, go out there, try to shoot a good score — I shot a 64 and a 65 this week — shoot something similar tomorrow, you never know.

Though a warning to McIlroy and the rest of the field as Clark was quizzed post his round if he felt he was putting better a the BMW than in capturing last June’s US Open.

“I think definitely. I have way more control with my iron play. I’m starting to get a lot better off the tee. I think mentally I’m way better,” said Clark.

“I actually think my putting’s significantly better than even in 2023. So, yeah, I think overall my game, each year I feel like I get better.

“Even though some years you don’t play as good, I just feel like the more time you spend out on TOUR you get better, sharper mentally, sharper with your distances, knowing your game better, so, yeah, definitely better”.



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