The season has finally started to shine for Rory McIlroy. After grabbing the victory at the Zurich Classic, he is giving a neck-to-neck competition to Xander Schauffele at the Wells Fargo Championship. After the conclusion of the third round, the world no. 2 is solo second and just 1 stroke away from Schauffele with a score of 11-under 202.

Rory McIlroy went bogey-free for two straight rounds at Quail Hollow, and his current stellar form at the sixth signature event has apparently brought a deeper understanding of what it feels like to be like Scottie Scheffler. The World No. 1 has been at the top of his game for quite some time now and was also the only player to go bogey-free in the first round of the 2024 Masters. Although he could not be physically present, he made it to the championship through Rory McIlroy’s state of mind!

Rory McIlroy puts himself in Scottie Scheffler’s shoes after three rounds at the Wells Fargo Championship

Rory McIlroy scored a 3-under 68 in the second round and a 4-under 67 in the third round. As he was interviewed after the conclusion of the round on Saturday, McIlroy was asked how he felt about being the only player to go bogey-free. He said, “Two days in a row bogey-free, I know what Scottie Scheffler feels like.” The 25-time PGA Tour winner has only come in the Top 15 twice this season, and the comparison was not just about the bogey-free round but also about winning tournaments back-to-back.

The world’s No. 1 player, Scottie Scheffler, has not been a part of any event since his last win at the RBC Heritage. The 27-year-old took some time off from the greens to spend some time with his wife, who was in the final trimester of her pregnancy.

Rory McIlroy has had a pretty solid track record at Quail Hollow. He first won on the North Carolina greens in 2010. And he also won the bronze trophy twice later, in 2015, when he defeated Patrick Rodgers and Webb Simpsons and his last win came in 2021. The tournament has been a constant in Rory McIlroy’s event golf calendar, which makes him understand the golf course better than any other player on the course. In the presser, he shared similarities between this year’s round 3 and that of 2015.

As he hit birdies on the 5th, 9th, 10th, and 14th holes, all these were part of the 11-birdie third round that he had during his second win. He added, “I’ve been here for 15 years. Through these years and all these experiences, subconsciously it comes back to you. That’s the reason I feel so comfortable here.”

With just the ultimate round remaining for the event to conclude, all McIlroy hopes is to be in the same momentum as the last three days. According to him, all he needs to win is another bogey-free round. The World’s No. 2 concluded, “The course doesn’t get any easier; the greens are getting firmer. If I go out and do a bogey-free round tomorrow, I think I’ll have a great shot.”

Although Rory McIlroy brims with confidence and is all set to take home the bronze-studded trophy, his competitors have the same goal too. Veteran Xander Schauffele has been on a streak too, and well, the prediction is tough.

What does the leaderboard look like after Round 3?

After three consecutive rounds, there seem to be two players who have emerged as strong contenders who can win the Wells Fargo Championship: Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy. Xander Schauffele has leaned onto his position at the top of the leaderboard and has a current score of -12. On the other hand, McIlroy is taking tiny steps, getting closer to the top, with currently just one stroke less than him. Following them, the unexpected names are Sungjae Im, in the third position, and Sepp Straka, in the fourth position.

However, the third round has not been all sunshine and rainbows for all the players! Jason Day, who was earlier tied with Rory McIlroy for the second position, has dropped to the fifth position after an underwhelming third round. He scored a disappointing 2-over 73. Will Rory McIlroy win his 26th PGA Tour event or will Xander Schauffele win his first victory of this season at the North Carolina greens? It remains to be seen. Stay tuned to find out after the ultimate round!