RIDGELAND (S.C.) – Jon Rahm and Rory McIroy seem to be in contention at major golf tournaments just as often as they don’t. They were born for it and have been trained since childhood. The thrill of chasing trophies never ceases for either of them, even though it may seem as natural as breathing. Both will have plenty of chances to win in Sunday’s final round at the CJ CUP South Carolina. McIlroy (4 under 67), the FedExCup champion and second-ranked player in the world, holds a one-shot advantage over three players at Congaree Golf Club. He is currently at 13-under 200. Rahm is ranked fifth after fighting and scratching his path to a round 70. These two were former No. McIlroy could win the distinction again for the ninth consecutive year with a top finish Sunday, and a poor finish by current No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, and are the 18-hole Goliaths on-site. Golf is a game where artful slingshotters are also a part of the game. We like to be surprised and rise up to get our fair share of the unexpected. K.H. of South Korea Lee and Kurt Kitayama, both from California, may not possess the same golf Q Rating as McIlroy or Rahm but they are highly capable players and hope to create their own scripts for Sunday. Lee shot 67 Saturday, with a four-putt double birdie, and tied Saturday’s lowest round by shooting 5-under. Kitayama struggled at times, but finished with a 70. Lee, 31 years old, was one of the top performers in the International team’s recent Presidents Cup. He has also won two times, both at the AT&T Byron Nelson. Kitayama, 29 years old, is just starting his second season on the PGA TOUR. However, he has won other events around the globe, including the 2019 Oman Open on DP World Tour. His passport is worn well. He has been to many major tournaments around the globe, including in Ireland, Scotland, England, Japan, England, Scotland, England (twice), Italy, Japan, and Scotland. Kitayama was a previous runner-up in 2022 to Rahm at the Mexico Open. Vidanta. He was asked if two of golf’s greats elevates his excitement for what lies ahead. He smiled wide and said, “Absolutely.” McIlroy, 33 years old, had two memorable moments during his round on Saturday. At the 569-yard fourth hole, McIlroy made an eagle with his driver and a 6-iron to three feet. After a 376 yard drive and a pedestrian iron shot of 187 yards, McIlroy made eagle at the 12th with the putter, reaching 33 feet. McIlroy quickly noted that he was at par minus those two holes. McIlroy will likely need to have a bit more firepower Sunday when he attempts to take over No. He will be attempting to take over No. 1 for the first-time since 2020. He rose to No. 1 for the first time since 2020. It was more than a decade ago that he reached No. 1, at the Honda Classic in March 2022. Those were different times. McIlroy stated, “Yeah there’s an excitement level when you do something for the first-time that I don’t think you’ll ever get back.” It’s something everyone would be proud of, but again. It’s been a long road from the time I was No. It was No. 1 in July 2020. It’s been two and a lot of things have happened so it’s not as exciting as 2012. But it will still have the same meaning, if more, because of all that he’s gone through over the past couple years.” McIlroy stated that he tried a few rabbit holes to find the cures for his game. McIlroy made a decision to move forward after a disappointing performance at last fall’s Ryder Cup. McIlroy’s form has been exceptional over the past six to seven months since his Masters runner-up finish. It will not be No. 1 on Sunday. 1 again. This is just something that will be in line if he wins his 23rth TOUR golf tournament. He said, “You know what? The ranking will take care of itself if you do what you want.” “Ultimately, all I want is to win this tournament. Rahm hopes to be able to participate in the decision-making process. It’s been a mixed week for Rahm in South Carolina. He was unable to break par until a run of late birdies. On Friday, he shot 9-under 62, the lowest round of the week. He was struggling to keep his head up during the round, making three bogeys in just four holes, starting at the eighth. But he showed great resolve and pulled himself together to shoot 1-under-71. This round was pure scrappy. He got back on track after he hit a drive at the 570-yard 12th hole, hitting his second shot green high, and made birdie. Two more came home for him, one on the par-4 17th hole. Rahm stated, “There was a lot of battle today.” It’s a proud moment for me. It’s funny, I’m on the 12th tee. I remember being four back, looking at par 5s, and 15 up, so I knew things could get ugly. But I just stayed focused on my game and tried making some birdies coming into and put myself in position tomorrow.” Rahm has had a few great Sundays in Europe. He shot close to 62s at both the BMW PGA Championship (second to Shane Lowry), and the Spanish Open (win). Rahm stated, “I’m going into confident tomorrow.” “Today was a struggle and I hope tomorrow is a little better. It will be a tough one, as it always is. This is the PGA TOUR. Someone will be hot on Sunday. I hope that it’s me.
By: Jeff Babineau
Title: McIlroy, Rahm, in familiar Sunday position at THE CJ CUP in South Carolina
Sourced From: www.pgatour.com/news/2022/10/22/rory-mcilroy-jon-rahm-cj-cup-south-carolina-setup-babineau-contention.html
Published Date: Sat, 22 Oct 2022 15:00:00 -0400
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