Rory McIlroy Two Shots Off BMW PGA Championship Lead After Eagle Finish

Posted : 20 September 2026

Rory McIlroy moved into contention for the BMW PGA Championship after finishing his third round with a spectacular eagle at Wentworth. The Northern Irishman carded a three-under 69 to reach 11 under par and sit two shots behind co-leaders Manuel Elvira and Filippo Celli.

McIlroy reached the par-five 18th in two shots before converting his eagle putt to close the round strongly. The world number two had earlier produced a steady performance in difficult and blustery conditions, keeping himself within striking distance of the leaders.

Elvira and Celli both finished at 13 under after making birdies on the final hole. Alejandro Del Rey, Johannes Veerman and JJ Spaun are one shot further back at 12 under, creating a tightly packed leaderboard ahead of Sunday's final round.

Twenty players are within four shots of the lead, leaving McIlroy with a realistic opportunity to challenge for another title at Wentworth. The Northern Irishman is also seeking his second BMW PGA Championship victory after winning the event in 2014.

McIlroy is targeting a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title this season. A strong finish at Wentworth would strengthen his position in the season-long standings while also giving him an opportunity to add another prestigious title to his record.

The 37-year-old said the difficult weather conditions had contributed to the crowded leaderboard. He explained that the wind had made scoring difficult over the previous two rounds and prevented any player from building a significant advantage.

"There are a lot of people around the leaders," McIlroy said. He added that he would probably avoid looking at the leaderboards during the front nine before deciding whether to take more aggressive approaches on the back nine.

McIlroy's challenge will come against a large group of players separated by only a few shots. Adam Scott is also at 11 under, while England's Sam Bairstow and Matt Wallace and Scotland's Robert MacIntyre are among those at 10 under.

The leading group will face another demanding final round at Wentworth. Elvira and Celli will start with a one-shot advantage, while McIlroy and Scott remain two shots behind and within reach of the leaders.

The final round is expected to produce a close contest, with the narrow margins giving several players a chance to challenge for the BMW PGA Championship title.

Rory McIlroy Two Shots Off BMW PGA Championship Lead After Eagle Finish

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