Matteo Manassero turned heads with an impressive third-round 63 at the BMW PGA Championship, taking the lead by three shots over Rory McIlroy and Billy Horschel. The tournament saw six different players hold the lead at various points throughout the day, with Manassero ultimately emerging as the frontrunner with an eagle and six birdies to reach 18 under par. This marked the lowest 54-hole score to par in the event’s history, showcasing Manassero’s skill and determination on the course.
The 31-year-old Italian previously won the BMW PGA Championship in 2013 but experienced a dip in form that led to him losing his playing rights. After a hiatus from professional golf, Manassero worked his way back through the Challenge Tour and ultimately regained his DP World Tour card for the current season. His victory at the Jonsson Workwear Open in South Africa in March signified his return to form and competitiveness at the highest level of the sport.
Manassero’s stellar performance set up a final-round showdown with McIlroy, with whom he had previously competed at the Irish Open just a week prior. The Italian golfer reflected on his exceptional round, describing it as one of the best he had ever played, particularly considering the challenging weather conditions at the start of the day. Looking ahead to the final day of competition, Manassero acknowledged the tough task that still lay ahead but expressed confidence in his ability to navigate the pressure of being in the lead.
Billy Horschel, a previous winner at Wentworth in 2021, also made a strong push during the third round, highlighted by a streak of seven consecutive birdies. Reflecting on his performance, Horschel compared the size of the hole to the Atlantic Ocean, emphasizing the precision and skill required to be successful on the course. Despite his past success at the venue, Horschel recognized the competitive nature of the leaderboard and anticipated a closely contested final day of play.
Rory McIlroy, a former winner of the BMW PGA Championship in 2014, delivered a solid round to stay within striking distance of the lead. McIlroy credited the slightly easier playing conditions on the day, as well as his own ability to weather early challenges and capitalize on scoring opportunities. With a strong history at Wentworth and a desire to add another championship to his resume, McIlroy expressed his excitement at the prospect of contending for the title once again.
As the tournament headed into the final round, all eyes were on the trio of Manassero, McIlroy, and Horschel, who were set to battle it out for the coveted BMW PGA Championship title. The tight leaderboard and competitive field promised an exciting finish, with each player eager to put their skills to the test and emerge victorious. With the prestigious event known for its rich history and tradition, the stage was set for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament at Wentworth.
