Rory McIlroy: World No 2 pulls himself back into contention at the BMW Championship after five-under par third round
Rory McIlroy keeps BMW Championship hopes alive with strong third round of five-under par in St Louis; the Masters champion has been looking for a response after labouring to an eight-over finish in Memphis last week
Sunday 23 August 2026 08:32, UK
Rory McIlroy pulled himself back into contention at the BMW Championship with a five-under 65 on day three in St Louis, as Wyndham Clark retained the lead after a topsy-turvy round.
McIlroy, who has been looking for a response after labouring to an eight-over finish at last week's St Jude Championship, shot a fine six-under opening round for a share of the lead, before slipping off the pace with a 69 on Friday.
But the back-to-back Masters champion birdied four of the last six holes on Saturday to finish on 12 under and move up to second place, tied with American Patrick Cantlay.
McIlroy, who is five shots off leader Wyndham Clark, said of the deficit: "That's a lot to make up.
"But if I focus on myself, try to shoot a good score - I shot a 64 and a 65 this week - shoot something similar tomorrow, you never know."
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Clark, going for his third win of the year, lost the lead with a double bogey on the first hole, before leaving the field in his wake.
He responded with five birdies and an eagle in an eight-hole stretch to finish with a five-under 65 that built him a five-shot lead.
Home hopefuls Gary Woodland and Chris Gotterup sit a shot further back from McIlroy and Cantlay on 11 under, but JJ Spaun saw his challenge fade fast after dropping to two over.
World No 1 Scottie Scheffler - who had coasted to an impressive victory at last week's St Jude Championship, but was two over after a first-round 72 - sits in a group on five under after his 68.
Live coverage of the BMW Championship concludes on Sunday from 5pm on Sky Sports Golf and 7.30pm on Sky Sports Main Event. Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW
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