Aaron Rai is making a strong statement at the PGA Championship.
Oliver Wilson observed that Rai understands the value of hitting the short grass and executing it again and again under this pressure.
McIlroy’s Struggles and Smith’s Reflections
Rory McIlroy faced difficulties on the course. The 16th was the hole where McIlroy had to make something happen, according to reports.
McIlroy needed a birdie-birdie finish and assistance from Aaron Rai and Matti Schmid.
He played the two par fives and driveable par-four 13th in one over, a costly performance.
After finishing at -4, Cam Smith shared his frustrations from the last couple of years. Smith said he felt like he’d been putting in the work and not really getting anything out of it.
He stated that he felt like he’d thrived in major championships his whole career, but that had fallen off. Smith admitted to losing confidence in his swing and brain.
Smith reflected on chasing down the lead on Sunday. He said he hadn’t been there in a while and that he loves that stuff.
He added that it was nice to get the heart rate up and feel his hands and legs get a little bit jelly.
Rai’s Steady Performance and Other Players
Rai navigated the third-hardest hole with his lead intact.
Another fine shot from Aaron Rai came as he took aim from the middle of the 15th fairway. It’s a long iron for the 230-yard distance.
Justin Rose only made the weekend after chipping in for eagle on Friday. Rose struggled a little off the tee as his round went on but sits inside the top 10 after carding a one-under 69.
Jon Rahm took a decent shot on the 14th but not a great one, settling for a par to stay two behind. The tough 15th is up next, where he’ll likely aim for a par before pushing for gains on the 16th.
Matti Schmid moved to six under. Schmid found the greenside bunker as he attempted to reach the putting surface off the tee on the short 13th. He splashed out of there to nine feet.
Alex Smalley’s putt lipped out. He ought to be back within two of the leader.
McIlroy landed short at 16 and went into the bunker.
- Aaron Rai safely through the third-hardest hole on the card with his lead intact.
- Superb splash out of the sand from Rory McIlroy.
- Matti Schmid clenches his fist as he moves to six under.
Rory McIlroy had no chance there. It looks like he’s just asked for someone to be ejected from the property too for saying something.
Rai has three holes to go. Can he hold his nerve?