Rory McIlroy shares what he told his caddie as soon as the rain and wind started howling at Pebble Beach on day three

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Rory McIlroy is in contention to win on his first start of the 2025 PGA Tour season after a stunning third round in the wind and rain at Pebble Beach.

McIlroy found form as others faltered as he produced some of his best golf for a while in what turned out to be treacherous conditions on the coast.

The Northern Irishman’s seven-under for the third round saw him propel himself to the top of the leaderboard and he’ll be in contention with good friends Shane Lowry and Justin Rose in round four.

• READ MORE: He held the course record at Pebble Beach up until 2024 but has only ever made the cut in four PGA Tour

Scottie Scheffler is having no hand trouble and isn’t too far back, and a lot could depend on how the conditions hold up at Pebble Beach.

The weather, of course, was a major talking point. And according to McIlroy, it was something he immediately changed tactics with caddy Harry Diamond because of.

Rory McIlroy shares conversation with Harry Diamond in round three at Pebble Beach

McIlroy was into the warmth of the media box after his third round and was quizzed on his round in general, including the conditions.

And according to McIlroy, it did indeed change his mindset as he revealed a chat with his caddy.

“I feel like the weather switched on six for us. I said to Harry on the way around I said literally let’s just try and chip the ball all the way around. I feel like I didn’t really make a full swing after that. A

“t seven, eight, nine, 10 – for me to play those holes in even par was huge. And then it started to settle and it’s a bit more sheltered on that back nine. It was nice to pick up a few birdies on the way in.”

Rory McIlroy hoping to break west coast hoodoo at Pebble Beach

McIlroy will be hoping he can see off a bunched and talented field to win out on Sunday.

Indeed, for McIlroy, winning at Pebble and in general, on the west coast, will be a big deal.

“Historically the west coast hasn’t been that good for me. I haven’t played that well over here. I had a top 10 in the US Open here at Pebble but haven’t played great around this golf course.

“I don’t even know if I have ever won in California. So tomorrow will be big for a number of reasons. Shane is up there as well, so it’s going to be a fun day with him up there. It’s exciting to try and get my first win of the season.”

McIlroy will be looking to the weather gods to help him a bit but with so many just in behind him, he’ll know full well he’ll have to be at his very best.