Rory McIlroy, Billy Horschel Three Shots Back Heading to Final Round

In a remarkable turnaround, Matteo Manassero, who first captured the prestigious BMW PGA Championship as a 20-year-old, has positioned himself to reclaim the title eleven years later. After delivering an impressive performance with a 9-under-par 63 on Saturday, he now holds a three-stroke lead heading into the final round.

Manassero’s journey has been far from straightforward. Once viewed as a future superstar of golf, his career took a downturn that saw him tumble down to the third-tier Alps Tour, with a staggering world ranking of 1,705 at its lowest point.

However, the Italian golfer made a strong return to the European Tour this year, clinching a win in South Africa back in March. Now, at one of the tour’s most important events, he finds himself in contention against a highly competitive field, including golf icon Rory McIlroy.

“It feels amazing to be here right now in the lead, thinking of the difficult years,” Manassero expressed. “My perspective has changed. I’m going to go out and enjoy tomorrow.”

Ranked No. 101 in the world, Manassero celebrated his round’s conclusion by sinking a 12-foot putt for a birdie at the 18th hole, securing a spectacular back nine score of 31. Overall, he logged seven birdies and an eagle on the fourth hole, bringing his total to an impressive 18-under for the tournament.

“I have to be honest, it’s one of the best rounds I’ve ever played,” he stated modestly.

Rory McIlroy, currently ranked No. 3 globally and a former champion of the event, finished the day with a 66. Despite a tricky second shot that landed in the water at the 18th, McIlroy managed to recover and secure par, putting him tied for second place with Billy Horschel, the 2021 champion. Horschel’s round was exceptional, highlighted by seven consecutive birdies that totaled 130 feet in putts.

“The hole looked like the size of the Atlantic Ocean,” Horschel remarked, recalling his impressive streak.

Matthew Baldwin, who had been the overnight leader, struggled under the pressure, finishing with a 71. Once an Amazon delivery driver just two years ago, Baldwin’s performance today left him in fourth position as the weather transformed from pouring rain to a sunlit finish.

In a reflective moment, McIlroy acknowledged the challenges Manassero and others face: “It’s good to see him back playing the golf that he is and where he’s supposed to be. It’s going to be an exciting day.” While McIlroy remains hopeful about his chances, he recognizes the skill it will take to catch Manassero.

The prospect of Manassero winning would be a heartwarming narrative given his recent struggles. His trajectory in golf saw a rapid rise; he won the British Amateur and the silver medal for the low amateur at the British Open in 2009 before climbing to No. 1 in the world amateur rankings. By 2013, he had already won four events on the European Tour, culminating with his BMW PGA Championship victory that catapulted him into the world’s top 25.

Yet, just six years later, he withdrew from the sport amid his struggles with the game he once adored. Now, with a victory on the line, he finds himself with the possibility of qualifying for the Ryder Cup next year and securing one of the 10 available PGA Tour cards from the European Tour.

“I know what I’m doing much more,” he noted of his renewed understanding of the game. “It’s not easy to compete at such a high level in tough conditions. It’s not the ideal comfort zone, but that’s what we work for and strive to achieve. I’m just happy with where I am.”