McIlroy’s closing eagle leaves him two shots off Wentworth lead

By Love Belfast

September 19, 2026

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EAGLE LIFTS McILROY INTO CONTENTION — two shots off Wentworth lead (-11) — LoveBelfast — McIlroy eagle at Wentworth BMW PGA Championship

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Rory McIlroy produced a spectacular finish to his third round at Wentworth, making eagle at the final hole to move within two shots of the lead at the BMW PGA Championship.

The Northern Irishman signed for a three-under-par 69 on Saturday, taking him to 11 under for the tournament and firmly into contention ahead of what promises to be a gripping final round.

McIlroy saved his best moment for the par-five 18th, where a superb eagle three provided the perfect conclusion to a challenging day in blustery conditions.

Spain’s Manuel Elvira and Italy’s Filippo Celli will begin Sunday tied at the top on 13 under after both birdied the closing hole. However, with 20 players separated by only four shots, the championship remains wide open.

McIlroy strikes late at Wentworth

McIlroy had to remain patient throughout his third round as difficult winds prevented anyone from taking control of the tournament.

His closing eagle transformed the complexion of his day, lifting him alongside former Masters champion Adam Scott on 11 under and placing the pair just two strokes behind the joint leaders.

McIlroy believes the testing weather has been a major factor in keeping the field tightly grouped.

“There are a lot of people around the leaders,” he said after completing his round.

With so many players still capable of winning, the world number two plans to remain patient during the early stages of Sunday’s round before deciding whether a more aggressive approach is required on the back nine.

Crowded leaderboard promises dramatic finale

Elvira and Celli share the overnight lead on 13 under, but the chasing group is packed with international quality.

American pair JJ Spaun and Johannes Veerman sit one shot back alongside Spain’s Alejandro Del Rey on 12 under.

McIlroy and Scott follow on 11 under, while England’s Sam Bairstow and Matt Wallace join Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre at 10 under.

Jordan Smith, Matt Fitzpatrick and Aaron Rai are among the players on nine under, ensuring there will be plenty of movement to follow during the final round.

Shane Lowry is six shots off the lead on seven under, while Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose are among those further back on five under.

With no player able to break clear during the first three days, one decisive run of birdies could completely reshape the leaderboard on Sunday.

History remains within McIlroy’s reach

Victory would give McIlroy his second BMW PGA Championship title at Wentworth and provide another significant boost to his pursuit of a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai crown.

The 37-year-old has placed himself in an ideal position: close enough to apply immediate pressure, but without the burden of protecting the lead.

His experience of major championship Sundays and high-pressure final rounds could prove valuable if the difficult conditions continue.

The closing eagle also gives McIlroy valuable momentum. After negotiating a demanding third round, he will head into Sunday knowing that two shots can disappear very quickly on such a congested leaderboard.

Everything to play for on Sunday

McIlroy suggested he may avoid studying the leaderboard too closely during the front nine. If the leaders begin to pull away, he is prepared to attack more aggressively after the turn.

That measured approach could be crucial at a venue where the weather has made club selection and course management particularly difficult.

Elvira and Celli remain the players to catch, but McIlroy’s spectacular finish has ensured that one of golf’s biggest names will be firmly involved in the battle for the Wentworth title.

After three tightly contested rounds, the BMW PGA Championship is set for a fascinating finale.