Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy fired his second consecutive 67 on Saturday to come back from two strokes down and take the lead after 54 holes of The CJ Cup in Ridgeland, SC.
McIlroy sits 13-under 200 for the tournament at Congaree Golf Club.
McIlroy, looking to reclaim World No. 1 and earn the second successful title defense of his career, carded two eagles on the day.
Spain’s Jon Rahm (third-round 70), South Korea’s K.H. Lee (66) and Kurt Kitayama (70) are all tied for second place at 12 under. Aaron Wise (71) and Taylor Moore (67) are three shots off the lead in a tie for fifth, and Brendon Todd (69) and South Korea’s Tom Kim (69) were at 9 under, tied for seventh.
McIlroy had eagles on a pair of par-5 holes, one on each side, collecting one at No. 4 and the other at No. 12. He was asked which was his favorite.
“It’s nice when you get that question,” McIlroy said. “I think the eagle on 12was the most fun just after how far I hit the tee shot.”
Saturday, after 54 holes of The CJ Cup in Ridgeland, South Carolina, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland shot his second consecutive 67 to overcome a two-shot deficit and grab the lead.
McIlroy’s current tournament score at Congaree Golf Club is 13 under 200.
McIlroy shot two eagles on the day in an attempt to retake World No. 1 and secure the second successful championship defense of his career.
Jon Rahm (third-round 70), K.H. Lee (66), and Kurt Kitayama (third-round 70) are tied for second place at 12 under. Aaron Wise (71) and Taylor Moore (67) are tied for fifth, three strokes behind the leader, while Brendon Todd (69) and South Korea’s Tom Kim (69) are tied for seventh, at 9 under.
McIlroy recorded eagles on two par-5 holes, one on each side: No. 4 and No. 12. He was asked what his favorite item was.
“It’s always wonderful to be asked that question,” McIlroy remarked. After hitting the tee shot as far as I did, the eagle on hole 12 was the most enjoyable.
227 yards ➡️ 2 feet 🤯@McIlroyRory trails by 1 after this eagle @CJCupSC. pic.twitter.com/9OS2VqsUzN
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 22, 2022
McIlroy’s round also included three bogeys in addition to the three birdies.
“If you subtract those two (eagles), the rest of my round was even par,” McIlroy explained. “It felt a little shaky coming in, but I performed well enough to hold on and post a decent score.”
Leader by 1 👏@McIlroyRory owns the solo lead with 18 to play @CJCUPSC. pic.twitter.com/qo9qLuqY8o
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 22, 2022
After birdieing three of the last seven holes, Rahm was one stroke behind the leader after 36 holes. In addition, he had three bogeys in four consecutive holes.
“There was a great deal of conflict today,” Rahm stated. “I am exceedingly proud of it. I mean, I’m standing on the 12th tee, and I’m four back with folks staring at par 5s and the 15th hole’s tee shot, and I’m concerned that things may get ugly. But I stayed focused on my own game and attempted to score some birdies on the closing holes to position myself for tomorrow.”
With two career runner-up results on the PGA Tour, Kitayama seeks his first victory. However, he is attempting not to overthink the situation coming into the final round.
Kitayama stated, “I just have to be patient since anything may happen in the last round.” “Just attempt to be within striking distance or in the lead entering the final stretch. I believe a great deal of patience is required.”