Rory McIlroy Falls Four Shots Behind Leaders at Players Championship

Rory McIlroy will enter the final round of The Players Championship tied for fifth, four strokes behind leader J.J. Spaun, after a challenging third round that saw him shoot a one-over par 73. McIlroy's performance was marked by a series of short game errors and missed opportunities, including bogeys on consecutive holes. Despite these setbacks, he managed to finish strong with a birdie on the last hole, expressing confidence in his overall play but acknowledging the need to improve his chipping and putting. The competition is fierce, with Bud Cauley and Lucas Glover also contending closely behind the leader. Conditions on the course have been tough, further complicating the players' efforts, as reflected in the average score of 74 for the day. McIlroy aims to capitalize on any mistakes from the leaders in the final round to secure the title he won in 2019.