World number one Rory McIlroy fired an electrifying 11-under par 61 in Saturday’s third round to vault into a four-shot lead at the US PGA Tour Wells Fargo Championship.
The 26-year-old from Northern Ireland had 11 birdies with no bogeys to break his own Quail Hollow course record of 62.
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McIlroy’s effort gave him an 18-under total of 198 and a four-shot lead over American Webb Simpson who shot a 68 and was alone at a 14-under 202.
McIlroy’s hopes of reaching golf’s magical number of 59 ended with pars at 17 and 18.
But the finish didn’t mar a spectacular round that included streaks of four birdies in a row from the seventh through 10th holes and five birdies on the trot from the 12th through 16th.
Crazy good playing by @McIlroyRory .. 11 birds and all inside 15 feet. That’s nice ball striking
— Jordan Spieth (@JordanSpieth) May 17, 2015
Robert Streb (71) was in third, seven shots adrift while Brendan Steele (68) and Patrick Rodgers (70) were tied for fourth on 10-under 206.
Justin Thomas (65), Carlos Ortiz (66) and Will Mackenzie (70) were a further stroke back on 207.
The Quail Hollow course record of 62 was established by McIlroy in the final round in 2010 — when he captured his first US PGA Tour title.
Zimbabwe’s Brendon de Jonge matched the mark in the second round last year.
What a round of golf from @McIlroyRory today. Amazing display. Well done my friend! Hope it goes well for you tomorrow
— Sergio Garcia (@TheSergioGarcia) May 16, 2015
After opening his day with back-to-back pars, McIlroy birdied 11 of the next 14 holes.
Highlights included driving the green at the 346-yard par-four 14th en route to a birdie.
McIlroy said he was a tad disappointed with his seven-iron at the par-three 17th, where his tee shot left him 40 feet for birdie and he settled for a par.
Play any good today @McIlroyRory??
— Rickie Fowler (@RickieFowlerPGA) May 16, 2015
McIlroy said he now needs to turn his attention to Sunday’s final round when he will be seeking his 11th PGA Tour title.
Five-time major champion Phil Mickelson, the 2010 runner-up, had climbed within one stroke of the lead thanks to four front-nine birdies.
But closed with a triple bogey at 18 to fall into a group of five players tied for ninth at eight-under.