What's happened
Rory McIlroy has claimed the Masters crown and now pursues a second PGA Championship at Wentworth. He starts round four two behind leaders Filippo Celli and Manuel Elvira, with a host of challengers close behind as the field contends with testing conditions.
What's behind the headline?
Insightful take
- McIlroy is chasing a second PGA Championship, building on his recent Masters success. The leaderboard is tight, with unlikely leaders at the top, showing how the day’s conditions have favoured a broad set of contenders.
- The final rounds will hinge on handling tricky greens and winds; small margins define the margins between leaders and chasers.
- This event continues to shape McIlroy’s legacy in a season where Augusta National looms large, and a win here would cement a remarkable campaign.
How we got here
The Masters champion has returned to Wentworth in strong form after a prolific season that included a Masters victory. The event features a compact leaderboard and a mix of established stars and up-and-coming players who have surged into contention.
Our analysis
The Guardian reports on McIlroy’s Masters win and Wentworth form, noting the tight leaderboard and late birdie finish. The Guardian also highlights the nervousness around pairing with other stars and the evolving swing mechanics that players are refining.
Go deeper
- What does McIlroy’s Wentworth form mean for Augusta next?
- Who are the other main challengers expected to carry momentum into the final rounds?
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Rory McIlroy - Professional golfer
Rory McIlroy MBE is a professional golfer from Northern Ireland who is a member of both the European and PGA Tours. He is a former world number one in the Official World Golf Ranking, having spent over 100 weeks in that position during his career.
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Aaron Rai - English professional golfer
Aaron Rai is an English professional golfer currently playing on the European Tour. He has won twice on the tour; the 2018 Honma Hong Kong Open and the 2020 Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.
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Patrick Reed - American professional golfer
Patrick Nathaniel Reed is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour and the European Tour. He is notable for his victories in the 2018 Masters Tournament and the 2014 WGC-Cadillac Championship.