Saturday is informally known as "moving day" in most of professional golf and today's round showed us just why it's given that name. After another rainstorm this morning, resulting in a flag relocation on the 18th hole, Valhalla was yet again left in a vulnerable state with soft and wet conditions. Many players capitalized on this, and at one point this afternoon just under 15 players were within two shots of the lead, including Phil Mickelson, Jason Day, Rickie Fowler, Ryan Palmer, etc. Rory McIlroy was amidst this mix as well, but a birdie on his finishing hole was enough to make him the sole leader.
Rory once again played spectacularly and is no doubt playing the best golf of his life right now, as he showed us on the 16th hole, the 500-odd yard par 4. McIlroy hit a driver 340 yards, then a nine iron to within two feet. Right now, he's looking like the outright favourite, at least in our books, to win. What a story it would be if Rory is able to win back-to-back majors.
Bernd Wiesberger's story is a unique one. The 2014 PGA Championship is just Bernd's sixth major appearance and the second time he's made the cut at one (the other was the 2013 Open Championship where he finished T64). He's a relative unknown here in North America, but has played on the European Tour since 2009 and has earned himself two wins during that time. Today, he shot a 6-under 65 in a round that included a near hole-out for eagle, and six birdies, which left even his playing partner Phil Mickelson surprised. Tomorrow he'll be in the final group with McIlory.
As for our picks, here is how they stand as of now:
1) Rory McIlroy: 1st at 13-under (-13)
2) Rickie Fowler: 3rd at 11-under (-11)
3) Ian Poulter: T50 at 1-under (-1)
1) Graeme McDowell: T63 at 1-over (+1)
I would like to see Rickie Fowler win tomorrow, like McIlroy he's playing really good golf at the moment as well. And, as of lately, he seems to play well when McIlroy is playing well.
There's no doubt though that tomorrow will be one of the most exciting Sundays of the season. Stay tuned tomorrow to hear who won it,
-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews
Can Rory pull off another major win? (Photo: Thomas J. Russo/USA TODAY Sports)
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