Rory McIlroy is set to tackle the final round of the Amgen Irish Open, starting four shots behind leader Adrien Saddier. After delivering an impressive second consecutive bogey-free day at The K Club, the world number two from Northern Ireland recorded a solid 68 on Saturday, building on his earlier 66. As he aims for his second title at this prestigious event—having previously won in 2016—McIlroy is determined to close the gap on the leaders.
Chasing the Lead
In the current standings, Angel Hidalgo is in second place at 14 under, while Alfredo Garcia-Heredia, who is playing alongside McIlroy this weekend, sits in third at 12 under. Hidalgo showcased his exceptional skills in the third round, carding an outstanding 63 that featured 12 birdies, including a remarkable streak of seven birdies in a row. Garcia-Heredia also made a strong showing with a 67, marked by a birdie on the first hole and two eagles throughout his round.
McIlroy made a significant move during the round with birdies at the fourth and fifth holes, along with a long birdie putt from an impressive 37 feet on the 14th hole. He also set himself up for another birdie opportunity on the par-five 18th with a precise approach shot. Despite feeling he might have left a few opportunities on the course, McIlroy expressed satisfaction with his performance and remains optimistic about his chances. He believes that a low score is attainable on Sunday and is targeting a fast start to apply pressure on the leaders early in the round.
A victory in this tournament would mark McIlroy’s first win since he completed the career Grand Slam at the Masters in April. The atmosphere at The K Club has been nothing short of electric, with large, enthusiastic galleries supporting the players throughout the event. McIlroy has expressed his gratitude for the backing from fans, especially for both groups in his pairing, and anticipates another sell-out crowd for the final round. Notably, Riverdance star Michael Flatley was among the spectators cheering from greenside on Saturday, adding to the excitement of the event.