Shane Lowry Keeps Irish Hopes Alive as Rory McIlroy Falters at Pebble Beach
In a tale of contrasting fortunes for Irish golf, Shane Lowry delivered a masterful performance to keep victory hopes alive at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, while Rory McIlroy endured a frustrating day that likely ended his title aspirations.
The Clara golfer's battling 67 on moving day showcased the resilience and skill that has made him a champion, positioning him just six shots off the lead in a tie for 12th. Meanwhile, McIlroy's wayward round of 72 left him ten shots behind leader Akshay Bhatia, tied for 39th in the 80-man field.
McIlroy's Day of Missed Opportunities
The Holywood star began promisingly with birdies at the second and third holes, but his round quickly unraveled at the notorious fourth. Attempting to drive the 324-yard hole, McIlroy found himself over the cliff face, leading to a horror triple-bogey seven that derailed his momentum.
Despite recovering with four birdies, McIlroy continued to leak shots. A destructive drive into the hazard at the tenth cost him a bogey, while an out-of-bounds tee shot and closing three-putt resulted in a double-bogey seven at the 18th.
"I've been wasteful," McIlroy admitted after his second round, and Saturday's performance only reinforced that assessment. The world number two has made two eagles and 17 birdies this week, but costly errors have undermined his progress.
Lowry's Weather-Ready Challenge
In stark contrast, Lowry demonstrated the composure and tactical awareness that won him the 2019 Open Championship. The Offaly native made five birdies and two bogeys on his front nine before playing flawless golf coming home, collecting three birdies in his final six holes.
At 13-under par, Lowry sits perfectly positioned to capitalize on Sunday's forecast of 30mph-plus winds and potential showers. As a proven performer in challenging conditions, the runner-up from last year's event will relish the opportunity to pressure the leaders.
Bhatia Leads Tightly Bunched Field
California's Akshay Bhatia leads on 19-under after a solid 68, holding a two-shot advantage over Collin Morikawa, Austria's Sepp Straka, and Jake Knapp. The 24-year-old two-time PGA Tour winner turned in a brilliant six-under 30 before dropping late shots as conditions deteriorated.
Morikawa's round of the day came via an exceptional ten-under 62, featuring 11 birdies and hitting all 18 greens in regulation. Knapp bookended his 66 with eagles, holing out from 130 yards at the first before sinking a 13-footer at the par-five 18th.
With 17 players within six shots of the lead, including world number one Scottie Scheffler eight back, Sunday's final round promises drama, particularly with challenging weather conditions expected to test every aspect of the players' games.
For Irish golf fans, Lowry represents the best hope of victory, with his proven ability in adverse conditions potentially decisive in what promises to be a compelling conclusion at the iconic Monterey Peninsula venue.