A Shocking Start on the Greens
Rory McIlroy's quest for a historic seventh Race to Dubai title encountered a dramatic and unexpected hurdle during the third round of the DP World Championship. The Northern Irishman, who started the day in a strong position, suffered an early setback that left fans and commentators in disbelief.
After a perfect birdie on the opening hole, McIlroy found himself with a straightforward putt for another birdie on the par-five second. From just a few yards out, it seemed a certain score. However, in a moment that defied expectation, his putt lipped the hole cruelly and spun out, denying him the shot.
The immediate reaction was one of pure anguish. McIlroy was seen crouching down with his hands on his head, his face a picture of frustration. The shock from the gallery was audible in the background, capturing the sheer surprise of the miss.
Commentators Pinpoint the Problem
Sky Sports' commentary team were quick to analyse the error. Dominik Holyer set the tone with a pointed, 'Well, well, well,' while former golfer Paul McGinley suggested a lapse in focus was to blame. 'That's just concentration isn't it, that's what that is, he knows it too,' McGinley stated.
He elaborated further, noting, 'He seemed to spend a little bit of extra time over it, one extra look. It just shows you the mind is not quite fully focused in.' McGinley emphasised the mental marathon of professional golf, where maintaining peak intensity is a constant challenge.
The frustration for the World No. 2 boiled over later in the round. After missing another birdie attempt on the 12th hole, McIlroy's expletive-laden outburst about the greens was picked up by microphones, forcing Sky Sports to issue an immediate on-air apology.
Brilliant Recovery Sets Up Grandstand Finish
Despite the early putting woes and visible frustration, McIlroy demonstrated the resilience of a champion. He mounted a spectacular recovery on the back nine, carding an impressive series of scores to catapult himself up the leaderboard.
By the end of the third round, he had surged to 13-under par, claiming a share of the lead with Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. His main rival for the Race to Dubai crown, Tyrrell Hatton, sits just one shot behind, while Marco Penge struggled and remains well back at four-under.
This sets the stage for a thrilling final round. McIlroy is not only playing to win the DP World Championship tournament itself, with its £2.3 million jackpot, but also to secure his seventh and fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title. With 4,640.06 points, he is in the driver's seat, but a win for Hatton, which carries 2,000 points, could still see the title change hands.
