Rory McIlroy, Webb Simpson, and Matt Kuchar share the 54-hole lead at the RBC Canadian Open.
McIrloy secured a spot in Sunday’s final pairing at Hamilton Golf and CC with a bogey-free 64, highlighted by a six-pack of birdies, en route to a three-day score of 13-under par.
“I controlled my ball pretty well today. I drove it well. Drove it in the fairway for the most part, which you need to do around here,” said McIlroy, who will be seeking his second win of the 2019 PGA TOUR season.
“That’s something I didn’t do last week in the Memorial. Big improvement there. And then from there, just keep giving myself chances and picking off the birdies when I can. I did that well today. I stayed patient. Made a couple really good up and downs on the back nine when I needed to.
“You know, all added up to a great score and gives me a chance to win tomorrow.”
The Northern Irishman will play alongside Simpson, who signed for a clean round of 67 on Saturday.
In what will be the final round of golf before next week’s U.S. Open, the pairing will feature the winners of the 2011 (McIlroy) and 2012 (Simpson) editions.
“I’m excited about tomorrow,” said Simpson, who will be in search of his first win since the 2018 PLAYERS.
“It’s been since the Masters that I had a chance to win, so it’s always fun to have a chance.
“Look forward to it.”
Kuchar, the third co-leader, posted a 69 on moving day, and will be joined in the penultimate pairing with Shane Lowry, who shot 66 to join home favorite Adam Hadwin and Brandt Snedeker at 12-under par.
Henrik Stenson was next in seventh-place after a 68 moved the Swede to 10-under par, one clear of a second Canadian, Mackenzie Hughes (69), who was alone in eighth-place at 9 under.
Rounding out the top 10, at 8-under par, was a foursome including Jonathan Byrd (64), Graeme McDowell (70), Erik van Rooyen (68), and Nick Taylor (73), the third Canadian among the chasing pack.
Round-3 Leaderboard: Top-5
1. Rory McIlroy -13 (-6)
1. Webb Simpson -13 (-3)
1. Matt Kuchar -13 (-1)
4. Shane Lowry -12 (-4)
4. Adam Hadwin -12 (-3)
4. Brandt Snedeker -12 (-1)
Top-20 Ranked Notables
World Rank-Player (To Par, Pos)
01. Brooks Koepka (-2 T50)
02. Dustin Johnson (-6, T17)
04. Rory McIlroy (-13, T1)
06. Justin Thomas (-6, T17)
13. Matt Kuchar (-13, T1)
19. Bubba Watson (+1, T63)
20. Webb Simpson (-13, T1)
