The competition in the Wells Fargo Championship is intensifying as Rory McIlroy closes the gap on leader Xander Schauffele to just one shot. As of the third round, Schauffele leads at -12, with McIlroy close behind at -11. Sungjae Im and Sepp Straka are also in contention at -8 and -7, respectively.
McIlroy entered the third round trailing Schauffele by four shots, but his impressive performance at the Quail Hollow course in North Carolina has brought him within striking distance of the lead. A flawless, four-under-par 67 has positioned McIlroy favourably for the final day of the championship.
The Northern Irishman has a successful history at this tournament, claiming victory in 2010, 2015, and 2021. His familiarity with the course, coupled with his exceptional skill, has established him as a strong contender for this year’s championship. During the third round, McIlroy maintained a steady momentum, scoring two birdies on the back nine after a solid two-under performance on the front nine.
Meanwhile, leader Xander Schauffele continues to deliver a consistent performance, closing the third round with a respectable one-under 70. Sungjae Im and Sepp Straka are also in contention at eight under and seven under, respectively, setting the stage for an intense battle in the final round for the championship title.
Other notable players adding excitement to the championship include England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who climbed to a tied 18th position after carding an even-par 71. However, fellow English golfers Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick faced challenging rounds, with Rose dropping eight shots and Fitzpatrick dropping seven, causing them to slide down the leaderboard.
With the US PGA Championship, the second major tournament of the year for men, scheduled to begin next week at Valhalla, the excitement of the Wells Fargo Championship is sure to bring added anticipation and intensity to the upcoming final round.
The tournament has showcased skill, determination, and sportsmanship, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion. As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on McIlroy, Schauffele, and the other top contenders as they vie for victory in what promises to be an electrifying conclusion to the Wells Fargo Championship.