Rory McIlroy still has hopes of finishing in the top 10 at the DP World Tour Championship

Rory McIlroy started his third round 10 shots behind the lead. McIlroy started his round well as he was two under after six holes. The par five seventh summed up McIlroy’s tournament so far with a poor second shot, a great chip shot then missed the putt for birdie. The Northern Irishman made two good par putts at both the eight and ninth hole. McIlroy shot a front nine of two under.

McIlroy missed a good opportunity for birdie at the par four 11th but followed it up by holing a long-range putt at the 12th hole. The Northern Irishman achieved a birdie for the first time this week at the par five 14th hole. ”Yeah. Fitz and I sort of had it going on the back nine”, said McIlroy. The 16th hole is playing easier this week at the Earth Course due to the soft conditions and McIlroy missed a good chance for birdie.

McIlroy needed a strong finish and it started with a birdie at the 175 yard par three 17th hole. ”It was obviously really nice to finish the way I did”, said McIlroy. McIlroy finished in style as he eagled the 18th hole.

The four-time major champion is in a tie for 19th after a third round of 65. “It's the last round of the year. Go out and try to shoot a good score and get myself a decent finish”, said Down native. McIlroy has the ability to go very low in the final round he just needs to tidy up his iron play. “I would say, as well, coming into the week, already having wrapped up The Race to Dubai, I'd say my expectation levels weren't super high, said McIlroy. Regardless of were McIlroy finishes this year has been great for the Northern Irishman with winning twice, winning his fifth Race to Dubai and been a part of his fifth Europe Ryder Cup win.

Shane Lowry started his third round on five under. Lowry started with a par but it was a mix bag for the Offaly man. The 2019 Open Championship winner made an eagle at the 18th to shoot a third round of 71. Lowry is in a tie for 27th on six under approaching the final round.

Tom McKibbin shot another positive round of two under. McKibbin is in a tie for 24th on seven under after 54 holes. McKibbin had a fantastic year with winning his first professional event and has an opportunity to finish the season with another good round. There is a prize fund of nine and a half million and both Lowry and McKibbin will be looking to take home a good check.

Both McIlroy, Lowry and McKibbin will need to go low on Sunday as the Earth Course is playing easy due to soft conditions. It’s the last round of the season in the DP World Tour tomorrow and hopefully it’s a great finish to the season.