Rory McIlroy is three off the lead at the BMW PGA Championship going into the fourth round on Sunday and he’s been speaking about his near disaster on the 18th.
McIlroy tried to muscle an iron shot over the water and into the heart of the green to set up a potential eagle chance on 18.
However, his shot, although well hit, was just a few yards short of its desired landing spot and bounced back into the drink to set up a nervy finish.
Luckily for McIlroy, his class shone through as he got up and down after a drop to make par and finish the day on -15, three back of leader Matteo Manassero.
And discussing that very situation, McIlroy has conceded he might be feeling a touch different tonight had he made bogey.
Rory McIlroy shares why his up and down on 18 was so important
Asked about how important getting in for par on the last was, McIlroy admitted there was more than one shot that saw him through today.
“I think they are all important. The up-and-down on 2. The up-and-down on 3. I relied on my short game a couple of times out there just to try to keep the momentum going, especially early on and then I got into it and I started to play better and hit some better shots,” McIlroy said.
“Yeah, that second shot was close to hanging up there and just needed a couple more yards of cut.
“Yeah, I mean, I’m three back. Matteo is playing very well. Going to need to go out and shoot something just as good if not better tomorrow to try to get the job done.”
Quizzed further, McIlroy was then asked if he felt his evening dinner wouldn’t have tasted the same had he made bogey.
“No, it wouldn’t have. Especially with all the good work I did and birdieing 17. Feels a bit like bogey but you should make 4 on that hole most times. It was good to get up-and-down and not lose an extra shot.”
McIlroy admitted in midweek he was desperate to get his name on the trophy again and he played well in his third round.
Indeed, Billy Horschel admitted McIlroy could easily have been further up the leaderboard and in the main, it was a positive day for the 35-year-old.
Tomorrow, then, is all set up for a grandstand finish.
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