Rory McIlroy will enter the final round of the Irish Open with a one-shot lead after an impressive third round on Saturday.
McIlroy carded a 69 at Royal County Down to follow his promising round on Friday, which had put him within touch of the leaders.
The 2016 Irish Open champion got off to a flying start, carding an eagle at the 1st for the second day in a row to instantly move into a share of the lead.
"No doubt about it!" 🤩
Rory McIlroy eagles the 1st to go into the shared lead at the Amgen Irish Open 🦅 pic.twitter.com/IvWL6Lodgj— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) September 14, 2024
Despite dropping a shot at the par-five 5th hole, McIlroy would move into the solo lead with a birdie at the par-three 7th.
Rory McIlroy birdies the seventh and edges into the lead at the Amgen Irish Open
Live now on RTÉ2/RTÉ Player. pic.twitter.com/2ZoWO1c7Ko— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 14, 2024
Another birdie followed at the 13th as the home hero began to strut his stuff on the back nine.
Another birdie for McIlroy, as he moves to seven under
Live now on RTÉ2/RTÉ Player. pic.twitter.com/nNhOFPTHdF— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 14, 2024
The round would have a nervy finish, with McIlroy scrambling a bogey after three wayward shots at the final hole.
However, with the closest contender Matteo Manassero also carding a bogey at the 17th, there was a safety net for McIlroy, and the four-time Major champion enters the final round leading his Italian rival by a single shot.
Rory McIlroy: "I can't get that far ahead of myself"
Even with the bogey to close, McIlroy was in good form when speaking to the media after signing his scorecard.
The Co Down man will be in the final pairing in his home county, and he spoke after the round of how a win on Sunday would put a 'shine' on a challenging year that saw him so close and so far from another major win.
It would be great. I talked about it at the start of the week. You know, after the sort of year that I've had and the close misses, it wouldn't make up for all of it, but it would go a long way in putting a nice shine on 2024.
I can't get that far ahead of myself. I need to go out and play another very solid round tomorrow to try to get the job done. But I'm pleased with the first three days.
McIlroy told reporters he was heading straight home after the round, with no plans for Saturday evening but resting for the final round.
McIlroy and Manassero will tie off at 1.05pm Sunday.
'It would go a long way in putting a nice shine on 2024 for me' 💭
Rory McIlroy's dream of lifting the Irish Open trophy remains very much alive as he heads into the final day with a one-shot lead ⛳🏌️♂️#BBCGolf pic.twitter.com/0EBPUKbQ7V— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) September 14, 2024
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It has been a challenging year for McIlroy, who came close to glory at both the US Open and the Paris Olympics before ultimately coming up short. He spoke this week of feeling the need to take a pause mid-season, and the four-time Major champion certainly seems rejuvenated this weekend.
McIlroy previously triumphed at the Irish Open in 2016 at the K Club, and would dearly love to add to that tally in his home county come Sunday afternoon.
The vocal home support at Royal County Down will no doubt be willing Rory McIlroy towards glory during the final round.
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