Matteo Manassero shot a tournament-low 63 in the third round of the BMW PGA Championship and will take a three-shot lead over Billy Horschel (65) and Rory McIlroy (66) into Sunday’s finale.
The 31-year-old Italian, a European tour winner at just 17, signed for a bogey-free scorecard which included an eagle and seven birdies, highlighted by a closing hat trick (Nos. 16, 17 and 18) to secure the pole position on 18-under par.
“No. Not really,” said Manassero, when asked if he envisioned such a low score, given the overcast weather. “I have to be honest, one of the best rounds I’ve ever played. Considering the conditions at the beginning especially.”
Manassero added, “I enjoyed it. It was a great day. My golf was really good. I made the most of the chances I had. It was a special day. Just fantastic.
“Great round, and great group we had with Rory and Billy.”
Horschel, paired with McIlroy and Manassero, offset two bogeys with tournament-best nine birdies, including an incredible seven consecutive gains on Nos. 8-14 to post 65 and reach 15 under.
“Yeah, I think so,” said Horschel, on the lead pack feeding off each other. “Matteo got off to a really good start. Made a run there in the middle of the round.
“After my bogey on No. 7, I got started. We were all feeding off each other.
“Rory could easily have shot two or three better. He hit some putts there at the end that could easily have gone in.
“But yeah, really good round of golf with two really good guys and looks like we’re going to be grouped together again tomorrow.”
McIlroy produced a bogey-free 6-under 66, featuring an eagle and four birdies, to join Horschel on 15 under.
“Yeah, I think Billy made seven birdies in the middle of the round,” said McIlroy, also asked about the trio feeding off each other. “When you’re playing in a group like that, it’s always great to be a part of.
“It’s exciting. I’m looking forward to tomorrow. Matteo and I played in the final round together in Scotland, played in the final round together last week in Ireland, and looks like we are going to do it again this week.
“Obviously it’s good to see him back playing the golf that he is and where he’s supposed to be, so it’s going to be an exciting day.”
Overnight leader Matthew Baldwin shot a third-day 71 and sits alone in fourth on 14 under, four off the pace.
“I played nicely,” said Baldwin, who held solo lead after both opening rounds. “Didn’t hole as many putts today as a whole. Missed a couple of short ones which the first one that I missed was a misread and the second one that I missed was a bit of a push.
“But I’m proud of the way I played and handled the situation, and hopefully I can do a bit of damage tomorrow.”
Antoine Rozner (69) and Thirston Lawrence (65) were tied for fifth on 13 under, one ahead of Aaron Rai (66).
BMW PGA Championship
Top 10: 54-Hole Leaderboard
Pos-Player-Score (Rd3 Score)
1. Matteo Manassero -18 (-9)
2. Billy Horschel -15 (-7)
2. Rory McIlroy -15 (-6)
4. Matthew Baldwin -14 (-1)
5. Thirston Lawrence -13 (-7)
5. Antoine Rozner -13 (-3)
7. Aaron Rai -12 (-6)
8. Harry Hall -11 (-4)
9. Marcus Armitage -10 (-4)
9. Yannik Paul -10 (-3)
