ROCK & POLE
Rory avoids watery grave but Bob isn’t saying Dubai bye
Bob MacIntyre admits he’s “got the juices flowing” to put on a show for his parents as Rory McIlroy steered his bid for history off the rocks.
The Scot tees up today in the final 18 of the DP World Tour Championship two shots off 54-hole leader McIlroy.
Victory for the Northern Irishman, one clear of Sam Horsfield on 14 under after a five-under 67, would see him become the only player to win the Race to Dubai season finale three times.
McIlroy finished moving day with a birdie on the last, having enjoyed a slice of luck at the par-three 17th when his tee shot looked to be heading for the water only to settle on the rocks.
His caddie Harry Diamond pleaded with him to take a drop but he took it on and walked off with a bogey after a 45-footer for par almost fell.
MacIntyre, whoo holed a 72-foot puttt for birdie on thee fourth and added an eagle on the seventh,h, failed to enjoy similarar fortune on 18 as he found the drink to finish with a bogey six and a 67 that has him tied third with Alexander Bjork.
The 25-year- old, whose maiden European Tour win came in Cyprus 12 months ago, said: “I’m delighted where I am on the board and at the end of the day, one bad shot there at the last doesn’t define a round.
“I’m playing great. I’m committing to every shot and accepting everything. That’s when I play my best golf.
“There are a couple of things I am heading to the range to work on and get them sorted out.
“It would be nice to win a second trophy here at the DP World and I know what I need to do. I’m two back of Rory so I need to pplayyggood ggolf, stay y relaxed and just enjoy it. I’ve not been in contention for some time so I’ve got the juices flowing again and I’m hoping Sunday is going to be good.
“I’ve got my mum and dad here this week so the whole team’s here.”
For McIlroy, there is the chance to make it back-to-back wins worldwide after his CJ Cup triumph last month.
He has not achieved that feat since 2014 when he won The Open, WGCBridgestone Invitational and US PGA on consecutive starts.
The world No.8 said: “I’m right where I want to be. I want to be contending on Sundays. I feel like I’m back to playing the way I should and the way that will get me back contending.”
Collin Morikawa remains poised to become the first American to win the Race to Dubai and be crowned Europe’s
No.1, in being three off the summit.
LEADERBOARD
(Gbr & Irl unless stated, par 72) 202 Rory McIlroy 65 70 67; 203 Sam Horsfield 68 66 69; 204 BOB MacINTYRE 68 69 67, Alexander Bjoerk (Swe) 68 67 69; 205 Joachim B Hansen (Den) 67 70 68, Collin Morikawa (USA) 68 68 69, Shane Lowry 69 65 71, John Catlin (USA) 69 65 71. Others: 212 GRANT FORREST 70 70 72