Late birdie run keeps McIlroy in the lead at PGA

August 11, 2014 00:00:00

LOUISVILLE: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his tee shot on the eighth hole during the third round of the 96th PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club here Saturday. — AFP Photo

LOUISVILLE, Aug 10 (AFP): Rory McIlroy birdied three of the last four holes Saturday to hold off a pack of challengers and escape with a one-stroke lead entering the final round of the PGA Championship.

World number one McIlroy, who captured his third major title three weeks ago at the British Open, fired a four-under par 67 for the second day in a row to stand on 13-under 200 after 54 holes at the year's last major tournament.

"It wasn't as easy as I expected it to be out there," McIlroy said. "They tucked a few pins away and playing with the lead as well, you maybe can't play with the freedom as if you're chasing.

"But really happy with how I finished. To shoot another 67 without really having some of my best stuff for the round was really pleasing."

With three birdies and two bogeys over the first 14 holes, McIlroy was in a fight for the lead before a sizzling late run.