Late slips costly as big names fight back
RORY McILROY was left to rue a missed five-footer for par that dented an excellent comeback in the third round of the Wells Fargo Championship.
The Holywood golfer signed for a five-under par round of 66, but the dropped shot, one of two yesterday, ruined a run of four birdies in a row. However, at three under for the tournament he was only four shots behind the early clubhouse lead of Peter Uihlein, who had seven birdies and an eagle in his 62 – which was 10 shots better than he managed on the first two days.
McIlroy wasn’t the only big name to show well on moving day in Charlotte, North Carolina. Phil Mickelson was flawless in a 64 that included five birdies and an eagle that took him to five under.
Graeme McDowell registered six birdies in his first 17 holes, but a trip to the water led to a double bogey at the last. Yet a round of 67 had him at two under.
The 18th also caught out Tiger Woods, but he is one under after a 68 that included six birdies and three bogeys.
Seamus Power also hit a 68 having just made the cut and he stands at level par for the tournament, while Shane Lowry couldn’t hit the birdie trail, three bogeys cancelling out his three birdies in a 71 and he is two over par.