Rory McIlroy roars back into contention with third-round 66 at PGA Championship
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Rory McIlroy hitting an approach shot on the eighth hole during the third round of the PGA Championship on May 16.
Getty Images via AFP
- Rory McIlroy shot a third-round 66 at the PGA Championship on May 16, recovering from a disastrous opening round.
- McIlroy now shares the clubhouse lead at three under par, reviving hopes for his second consecutive major title.
- Calmer conditions and accessible pin positions allowed lower scores, after earlier criticism of the course's severe set-up.
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NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pennsylvania - Rory McIlroy roared back into contention at the PGA Championship with a third-round 66 on May 16 at Aronimink, recovering from his disastrous opening round to revive hopes of a second straight major title.
The Masters champion, who opened with a 74 and narrowly remained within striking distance after a May 15 bogey-free 67, took advantage of softer conditions and more accessible pin positions to climb into a share of the clubhouse lead at three under par alongside Xander Schauffele.
McIlroy mixed six birdies with two bogeys in one of the rounds of the day, looking far more comfortable on a course that had drawn criticism from several leading players earlier in the week over its severe set-up.
Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas and overnight leaders Maverick McNealy and Alex Smalley remained in the hunt as the afternoon groups continued their rounds, while defending champion Scottie Scheffler also lingered within striking distance despite struggling to convert birdie chances on the greens.
Calmer conditions on May 16 produced lower scoring after Aronimink punished the field through the first two rounds with thick rough, swirling winds and heavily criticised pin locations that left the leaderboard congested heading into the weekend.
McIlroy’s resurgence transformed the complexion of the championship after the Northern Irishman opened the tournament with four successive bogeys on May 14 before reviving hopes of a second straight major title after his Masters win in April. REUTERS
