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Rory McIlroy slipped three shots behind the BMW Championship leader as he revealed he was ready to leave the tournament if his wife Erica went into labor.
After heading into the third round with a forward shot, the Northern Irishman struggled on the tough field of Olympia Fields on Saturday, picking up five bogeys along with two birdies to close out the day with a 73 of three over par.
That reduced the 31-year-old to two more for the tournament, to three from joint leaders Dustin Johnson and Hideki Matsuyama, and tied for sixth.
First birdie of the day for @McIlroyRory.
He’s one shot away from the leader.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/nLggVvEoK3
– PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 29, 2020
McIlroy was in good spirits after his round despite resigning from leadership when he revealed that his wife expected to give birth to a baby girl in a matter of days.
“I’m just waiting for a phone call,” McIlroy said at the end of his round.
“I was expecting a phone call last week and it didn’t come, and then (McIlroy’s caddy) Harry (Diamond) has been putting his phone in his pocket just to be sure, but nothing at the moment.”
Hideki Matsuyama wasted no time to start Round 3. 🦅
So, lead by 1 @BMWChamps.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/oYmNguwjmA
– PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 29, 2020
If he receives the call while on the field, McIlroy added that he would not hesitate to withdraw from the tournament.
“I am going to play in many more tour championships, and it will only be the birth of your first child once,” he said.
“That beats anything else.”
Replacing McIlroy and American Patrick Cantlay at the top of the standings are Johnson and Matsuyama.
I’m going to play in many more tour championships, and it will only be the birth of your first child once.
Rory McIlroy
Johnson moved up to a portion of the lead thanks to another consistent performance from a bass, while Matsuyama used an eagle on the first hole to jump to the top, joining Johnson on a bass heading into the final day.
Matthew Fitzpatrick leads the way for the English contingent as he sits tied for 12th.
After hitting a 5 out of 75 on Friday, Fitzpatrick was in good shape for the third round as he made the most of an eagle on the 15th to close out the day at 68 minus 2.
Tyrell Hatton dropped two spots to equal 15th place after loading a one-over-71, while Paul Casey also shot 71 to finish Saturday’s round tied for 26th.
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