In Canada, McIlroy on move
Four-time major winner fires bogey-free 64, ties lead
ANCASTER, Ontario — Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy added the Canadian Open to his schedule as a tune-up for next week’s U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.
Now he has a chance to add another national championship to his already impressive tally.
The Northern Irishman shot a bogeyfree 6-under 64 on Saturday to move into a share of the lead after three rounds at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.
“I think the best preparation for tournaments ahead is to get yourself into contention and feel the heat of battle, and going down the stretch hitting the shots when you need to,” McIlroy said. “If you can do that then I don’t think there’s anything else that will give you more confidence.”
Seeking his second victory of the season, McIlroy surged into a tie with former U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson (67) and Matt Kuchar (69) at 13-under 197. McIlroy’s round was tied for best on the day with Jonathan Byrd, who was tied for ninth at 8 under. Kuchar, who also shared the secondround lead, has a shot at his career-best third victory of the season.
Adam Hadwin, seeking to become the first Canadian winner of the event since 1954, was one shot back after a 67. Shane Lowry (66) and Brandt Snedeker (69) also were at 12 under.
McIlroy won The Players Championship in March but hasn’t seriously contended since. A victory would be his fifth in a national open, following the U.S. Open (2011), Australian Open (2013), British Open (2014) and Irish Open (2016). After three rounds at the Canadian Open, Players champion Rory McIlroy joined Webb Simpson and Matt Kuchar in a tie for first.