Rory McIlroy is five shots back of the lead after round three of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links.
The Northern Irishman started his round poorly after making a bogey on the first. The four-time major champion bounced back with three birdies on the front nine, however.
McIlroy made three more birdies on 11, 14 and 15 before running into trouble once more at the end of his round. The 35-year-old found the water with his tee shot on 18 and went on to make a double-bogey seven. The mistake comes just 24 hours after McIlroy made a triple-bogey six on the par-three 17th.
Once again, McIlroy left to discuss an error during his post-round press duties.
Rory McIlroy discusses error on 18 at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Speaking to Sky Sports after his round, McIlroy said: “Playing the last two holes in two over in the previous two days is not ideal.
“Cost myself a few shots there. Wind got up a little bit this afternoon, so the leaders weren’t getting away, which was nice, and I was making a little bit of a charge.”
McIlroy added: “Just one mistake, that drive on 18. With it playing so much into the wind, with the third shot, the layup was very difficult, taking on the water, so I had to lay up down the right, and I still had 222 yards for a fourth.
“Untimely mistake just like yesterday on 17 and sort of dug myself a hole to get out of.”
Early swing signs are positive for Rory McIlroy
Despite the mistakes, McIlroy’s reconfigured swing is showing early signs of life.
The Northern Irishman spent time away from the course working on his game after the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. This week’s event at Yas Links is the first time the four-time major champion’s alterations have been tested in tournament conditions, and for the most part, McIlroy will be pleased.
| Rory McIlroy Stats Round Three | HSBC Championship Average | Rory McIlroy HSBC Championship rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Acc(%) | 57.1 | 73.9 | 59 |
| Driving (Yds) | 336 | 313.4 | 5 |
| GIR (%) | 77.8 | 77.7 | 26 |
| Putts AVG | 32 | 30.3 | 50 |
| Putts Per GIR | 1.9 | 1.8 | 50 |
| Score | 69 | 69 | 24 |
| Scrambles (%) | 50 | 60.9 | 34 |
The 35-year-old is hitting plenty of greens in regulation and is giving himself looks at birdies and eagles.
McIlroy will be aware that he must clean up mistakes in order to compete in Sunday’s final round. With the leaders in touch, the four-time major shouldn’t be written off just yet.
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