Rory McIlroy's late practice session on Friday night appeared to be paying off, with the Northern Irishman back in contention for the title. RBC Canadian Open.
McIlroy, 35, shot a 5-under 65 at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.
The brilliant eagle shot in the fourth inning ignited his offensive passion.
Three more birdies on the front nine.
McIlroy was likely frustrated at the end of his round, though, as he lost balls on the 10th and 17th holes.
McIlroy tried again from a fairway bunker but failed and took a bogey on the penultimate hole.
With 18 holes to play, McIlroy was 7 under, three shots behind leaders Robert MacIntyre and Ryan Fox.
After McIlroy finished, the Scotsman and the New Zealander also began their matches.
“I got off to a really fast start, three under for the fifth and five under for the ninth,” McIlroy said.
“I wish I could have scored a few more goals but overall it was a good job today and hopefully I can get closer tomorrow.”
He shot a poor 72 on Friday and headed straight to the driving range.
He had a headache during his opening round after drinking a few glasses of wine to celebrate the birthday of caddie Harry Diamond earlier in the week.
McIlroy said no technical work was needed.
“I just felt like I was a little out of sync, so I just worked on the rhythm and the cadence a little bit and slowed down the transition from the top,” he said.
“Indeed. It's not a technical job, just need to try to synchronize again.”
McIlroy played the third round alongside Tom King.
King also shot the same score as McIlroy.
Both players were seen smiling widely throughout the match, and at one point, they appeared to be laughing so hard that they were rolling on the floor.
But neither player would reveal what was so funny.
“Not sure,” McIlroy told reporters with a wry smile when asked what made them both happy.
“I have to keep this a secret,” King said.
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