Francesco Molinari fired a 66 to join Rory McIlroy four clear of their nearest chasers, which includes Branden Grace, at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
McIlroy was three over through six after a double bogey followed a drop at the third – a hole he has now dropped two shots on this week – but rebounded sharply before closing with two birdies in a row to get under par for Saturday.
The Northern Irishman’s 71 moved him to -13 where he was joined by Molinari, who played his first seven holes in straight pars before he too went on a run. The Italian birdied the 8th and 9th before coming in on 33 to give himself a real shot at upsetting what many thought was a procession for his high-profile playing partner tomorrow.
South Africa’s interest sits squarely on Grace, the 2017 Nedbank Golf Challenge champion, who is one of four players closest to the co-leaders. Grace went out level after two birdies – 4th and 8th – were cancelled out by drops on the 3rd and 6th holes.
The top-ranked South African was left to rue a par-par finish after getting himself into the frame with an eagle on the 12th and birdie three on the 16th.
Two behind Grace’s mark of -9 is Darren Fichardt, who had a mixed day. After starting bogey, par, bogey Fichardt got both those shots back with an eagle on the 4th. The 43-year-old came home in 36 (one under par) to give himself a good opportunity to cash a big cheque in the season’s first Rolex Series event.
Erik van Rooyen (71) is one back of Fichardt’s mark but was left to ponder ‘what might’ve been’ after a double on the 15th – the second time he’s done that this week – undid much of his good work.
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