RORY MCILROY rode a Rochester roller-coaster, as he emerged from a third round packed with twists still clinging to his hopes of ending a nine year drought in the Majors.
The four-time Major winner – who has not tasted success at this level since 2014 – experienced some thrilling highs at the start of the third round of the PGA Championship, before plunging back to earth with an ugly hat-trick of bogeys.
Rory McIlroy is still in the hunt for the USPGA Championship
McIlroy braved the elements and shot an action-packed third round
But he was back on the right track with three birdies on the back nine only for a fourth bogey on 17 to slam the brakes on.
At one under par, Major number five is still just about within reach – although he will have to take a leaf from the Justin Thomas playbook, after he came from seven shots off the lead to win last year’s USPGA.
McIlroy’s Ryder Cup team-mate Tommy Fleetwood also had an eventful day, and he went to bed dreaming of a repeat of his heroics in upstate New York five years ago.
Fleetwood equalled the best final round score in any Major with a final round 63 in the 2018 US Open at Shinnecock Hills – just sixty miles away from here across the Long Island Sound.
The Southport star also shot one of the best rounds seen at Oak Hill this year, with a two under par 68 despite being battered by torrential rain for all 18 holes.
Fleetwood, 32, often gives the impression he is at his best when the going gets tough in the Majors, and he added weight to that theory with another battling performance.
But at one over par, he knows he will have to go a lot lower today to go one better than his runner-up finish at that 2018 US Open.
He said: “Another 63 would be nice wouldn’t it – if you offered me that I’d take that and not move a muscle tomorrow- just take my chances that finishing six under would be good enough.
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“But look, I’m proud of the way I played today. The rain was relentless when we were out there, and it made the course just brutal. It played so long, and the rough was thick and wet.
“I’ve had a couple of runner-up finishes in the Majors now as well as a couple of fourths, so I know how to get the best out of my game in these circumstances. Hopefully, I’ll do that again in the final round.”
McIlroy found himself having to play catch up after poor starts on each of the first two days, but this time he came out looking like he meant business.
He missed just one fairway in the opening six holes, and hit gorgeous shots at both of the early par threes.
The world No 3 converted birdie putts from around six feet on both those short holes to move into a share of sixth at two under par, just three shots behind 36 hole leaders Scottie Scheffler, Corey Conners, and Viktor Hovland.
But it started to turn sour with a bogey at the dreaded sixth – the toughest hole in Major championship history over the first two days.
McIlroy had to sink a six and a half footer to avoid a double. But it looked like the wind had gone out of his sails, and that impression was confirmed by further bogeys at eight and nine.
But he was not the only player finding Oak Hill’s toughest stretch of holes ultra-testing in the soggy conditions.
By the time the rain finally eased off, after the final group had played seven holes, world No 2 Scheffler – installed as a hot favourite before play the third round started – had TRIPLED his number of bogeys for the tournament.
Scottie Scheffler is tied in fifth
Viktor Hovland is tied in second with Brooks Koepka
Corey Connors of Canada reads the green before his putt on the 9th during the third round
He dropped just two shots in the first 36 holes, but gave four back in that seven hole stretch, while playing partner Conners dug deep and played those holes in one under par.
But as the umbrellas were put away, the rain-soaked course started giving up more birdies – bad news for Fleetwood and fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, who also made up plenty of ground with a one under par 69.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make golf a good sport?
Golf is good for you. It is very healthy. Studies show that golfers live longer and are healthier than non-golfers. They also tend to be less stressed out, which means they’re happier people.
How can my golf game be improved overnight?
Your best bet for improving your golf game is to practice 20 minutes per days, three times a weeks. Practice consistently if your goal is to play well in every tournament. Practice makes perfect!
Can a professional golfer make a living?
Yes, it’s possible to make money as a pro golfer. But it takes hard work and dedication. Pros can earn millions of dollars each year.
How can I reduce my golf score by five strokes
First, you need to improve your swing mechanics. Although you may be able to hold the club properly, if your body isn’t comfortable with the swing, it won’t give you the right feedback. Once you’ve mastered this step, you’ll want to focus on improving your strength and flexibility. Slowly start, then work your way up to greater distances. You’ll find your game becomes more consistent as you strive for higher scores.
Is it really necessary to join a club in order to golf?
You don’t have to be a member of the golf course. A membership gives you access to the entire course, including the driving ranges and putting greens.
How can I improve golf scores?
These simple tips can make it easy to improve your golf game.
- Play less and practice more. To improve at something, you need to practice more. If you play too much, it can lead to bad habits.
- When you feel good, play. There are times when you just don’t feel like playing golf. Do not force yourself to do something you don’t enjoy. Instead, find ways you can make golf fun again.
- Take breaks. Golfers frequently take breaks during the round to stretch and walk around, or eat lunch. Taking breaks helps your body relax and keeps you focused throughout the round.
- Water! It is easy for people to lose track of the number of drinks they have had while out on the courses. You should drink enough water to avoid becoming dehydrated. You will feel refreshed and ready for your next round of golf if you drink plenty of water before, throughout, and after the game.
- Be healthy. Consuming healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and low-fat milk products will give you energy to help you do well on your course.
- Keep hydrated. Water is the best thing to keep hydrated. Aim to drink at least eight glasses per day. This includes plain water and water made with beverages such as coffee.
- Make sure to warm up. Begin by warming up with a walk or jog for five minutes before you hit the first shot of a round. You should then be flexible and agile.
- Keep your head down. It’s important that you keep your eyes focused on the ball when you tee-off. Don’t look at the ball and pay attention to where it hits. Instead, focus your attention on the hole.
- Swing with proper form. Proper form could mean different things for different people. But you should try to avoid swinging at your target. Instead, aim to strike the ball at the center of your target.
- The process is what matters. While there are several factors that contribute to a successful golf swing, focusing on the process will help you develop the most effective technique. For example, if you have trouble keeping your hands still, then focus on relaxing your grip. If you have trouble maintaining balance, focus on your posture.
Statistics
- This means as much as 50% of your practice time. (practical-golf.com)
- Shot Scope’s mapping data reveals 72% of danger is at the front of the green (sand or water), whereas there’s only 28% behind. (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- If you have 14 attempts and convert as little as 50% of them into Pars – you can double bogey the remaining 4 holes and still shoot 87 for your round. (golfmadesimple.com)
- The blade aim at impact controls 92% of the ball’s start line, so prioritise face aim as a place to start (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- By adding 10 more yards to all their golf shots amateurs will increase the percentage of greens they hit by 8 – 10%. (golfinsideruk.com)
External Links
flagstick.com
collegeofgolf.keiseruniversity.edu
shotscope.com
faziodesign.com
How To
How to Lower Your Golf Scores In Five Easy Steps
- Start with the right equipment. You’re going to want to invest in some good clubs and balls. Learn how to golf from a professional. Ask around at the local driving range for people who play golf if you don’t know any. They may give you a lesson free of charge just for seeing new faces.
- Practice makes perfect. This is no secret. However, if your goal is to improve your game, practice will be essential. It doesn’t matter whether you’re playing alone or with friends; practicing is essential. It doesn’t matter if you practice alone or with friends; it is important to keep track. Take down all of your activities so that you can track where you are succeeding and where you still need improvement.
- Play more. When you first get started, it’s probably going to feel like you’re spending too much money on golfing gear, so you won’t go out nearly enough. Once you get into the swing of things, you will find that you actually enjoy playing. The next step is to increase the frequency of your play. You should play at least three times per week, or every other day. This would mean that you play one round 18 holes on weekends and two rounds 9-holes during the week.
- Don’t forget to eat well. Many people believe that eating breakfast is a way to do their bodies a favor. This isn’t healthy. Instead, make sure you eat something before going out. In order to be healthy, you should have small snacks with protein, carbohydrates and fat. You can also have a light meal made up of lean proteins, vegetables, and other healthy foods when you get there.
- Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Hydration can cause muscle pains and headaches, so drink plenty of fluids. Plus, drinking water keeps your body properly hydrated, which is essential for optimal performance.
