Rory McIlroy Shines with 4-Under 67 in Round 3 at Wells Fargo Championship
Rory McIlroy carded a 4-under 67 in Round 3 of the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship, reaching 11-under and trailing leader Xander Schauffele by just one stroke. His strong play at Quail Hollow Club sets up an exciting final round.
McIlroy's Strong Performance in Round 3
In the third round of the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship held at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, Rory McIlroy delivered an impressive performance. Carding a 4-under 67, McIlroy moved to 11-under for the tournament, positioning himself just one stroke behind the leader, Xander Schauffele, after 54 holes. This round showcased McIlroy's ability to gain ground on a competitive field at a venue where he has historically excelled, having secured three previous victories in 2010, 2015, and 2021.
Key Moments from the Round
Throughout the third round, McIlroy demonstrated precision and composure. Early in the round, he capitalized on opportunities to build momentum, stringing together consistent play that kept him in contention. A notable highlight came when he provided mid-round commentary, offering insights into his strategy before knocking his shot to within two feet for a birdie, as shared in posts on X by PGA TOUR. This moment, around the midway point of the round, underscored his confidence and focus, contributing to his climb up the leaderboard.
Positioning for the Final Round
With a total score of 11-under, McIlroy's performance in the third round sets up an exciting final day at Quail Hollow Club. Trailing Schauffele by just one stroke, he remains a strong contender for a record fourth title at this event. His familiarity with the course, combined with recent form—including a win at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans two weeks prior with Shane Lowry—adds to the anticipation of how he will approach the closing holes. McIlroy's ability to maintain consistency while seizing critical opportunities was evident throughout this round.
Competitive Field and Venue Challenges
The 2024 Wells Fargo Championship features an elite field of 69 players, making McIlroy's performance even more significant. Quail Hollow Club, a site of past major events like the 2017 PGA Championship and the 2022 Presidents Cup, presents unique challenges that test every aspect of a golfer's game. McIlroy navigated these challenges adeptly during the third round, reinforcing his status as one of the top competitors in this signature event of the PGA TOUR season.
