Rory McIlroy is right in the mix for a medal after a stellar Saturday at Le Golf National in Paris.
The Irishman was six shots off the lead going into the third day of play at the Olympics, but a five-under-par 66 now has him within touching distance of the medal positions.
McIlroy finished the day four shots behind leaders Xander Schauffele and Jon Rahm, and just three shots behind Tommy Fleetwood in the final medal place.
With the four-time Major champion slowly making his way up the leaderboard, hopes will be high for him to push for a medal on Sunday.
If he does, his scramble for par at 17 on Saturday could ultimately prove crucial - something which was not lost on McIlroy as he spoke to RTÉ after his round.
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Rory McIlroy says par on 17 was a pivotal moment in Paris
Rory McIlroy would have been even closer to the leaders were it not for his double bogey at 17 on Friday.
When he missed the fairway with his drive at the same hole on Saturday, fears abounded that a stellar round of work was about to be undone. He would brilliantly scramble to save par en route to an excellent 66.
"To play a bogey-free round and get myself up there in contention for a medal tomorrow is really exciting..."
A -5 third round of 66 has put Rory McIlroy right into medal contention.#RTESport #Paris2024
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📱Updates https://t.co/7oDcUYslbX pic.twitter.com/r3ujEmqHLY— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 3, 2024
Speaking to RTÉ immediately after his round, McIlroy broke down how his approach had changed from the opening two days. He also spoke about the potentially massive par on 17, saying it could be the difference when it comes to deciding the medal places on Sunday.
I played the front nine in three-under-par again, that's the third day in a row I've done that. I just said to myself walking to the tenth tee, 'Okay, let's just play a good nine holes of golf, a solid nine holes of golf. Try to hit fairways, hit greens, give yourself chances.' And I did that.
I made that big putt for par on 17 which I thought was a huge point in the round. It keeps me one shot closer to the leaders. I'm in a good spot.
It could be [crucial]. Obviously I made double [bogey] there on Friday, so I didn't want to make another mistake on there today.
That putt was huge, it's a tee shot that doesn't really fit my eye, I struggle a little bit to see a shot off there. I missed the fairway off there but I was able to scramble and save par which was massive. It might make all the difference tomorrow.
It could well make all the difference, and we can only hope it spurs Rory McIlroy on to Olympic glory.
The Irishman tees off on Sunday morning in pursuit of gold.
SEE ALSO: After Paris Gold, Paul O'Donovan Should Now Be Known As Ireland's Greatest Ever Sports Star
