The Open: Rory McIlroy leads by six

On a damp day at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, overnight leader Rory McIlroy produced yet another composed round of golf to gain a stranglehold on the 143^rd  Open Championships at Hoylake. The Moneyreagh resident was on the money yet again as he jumped to a six shot lead (66-66-68) over Rickie Fowler after making a fabulous 68 in the third round. The American threatened to mount a challenge, before being reigned back by the course to leave him 10-under after 54 holes. Sergio Garcia (69) and Dustin Johnson (71) are tied in third at 9-under 207.

A second day running, McIlroy started with a bogey at the first hole raising concerns about whether he may have trouble guarding his lead. But McIlroy birdied the par-5 fourth for the third straight day to get even for the round and go back to 12-under overall.

After making the turn in 35, McIlroy’s birdie at the 11^th was offset quickly when he slipped in a bogey at the next hole. Meanwhile, Fowler, who made birdies on seven of the first twelve holes had tied for the lead with McIlroy at 12-under with five left to play.

Fortunes turned quickly from there, albeit in different directions. The Ulsterman was 15-under in a league of his own, when he made an eagle at the par-5 16^th, even as Fowler found himself slipping away after making three bogeys in four holes.

In stark contrast, McIlroy was energized by two eagles in three holes to end his third round on a high, having secured an impressive six shot lead over the field. “I know leads can go quickly,” said McIlroy choosing to be circumspect despite his massive cushion. “That’s why you can’t let yourself think about winning.”

The golfer from Hollywood in Ireland knows a thing or two about leads. While this is the biggest 54 hole lead at the Open since Tiger Woods enjoyed a similar lead in 2000 at the St. Andrews, the 25 year old is all too aware of the fact that he blew a 4 shot advantage in the final round of the Masters three years ago.

“I’ve been on the right side of it and I’ve been on the wrong side of it,” said McIlroy. “You’ve just got to stay completely in the moment and that’s what I’m going to do for all 18 holes tomorrow.” Fowler, also 25, will join McIlroy in the final group to go out on Sunday, with the Claret Jug very much in the balance.

Scores

-16: Rory McIlroy (NI)

-10: Rickie Fowler (US)

-9: Sergio Garcia (Spa), Dustin Johnson (US)

Others: Tiger Woods +3; Phil Mickelson -1; Adam Scott -6;

Report by Anand Datla

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