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McIlroy goes from strength to strength

Rory McIlroy's remarkable start to life as a professional golfer continued in the third round of the Madrid Open today, the Co…

Sat Oct 13 2007 - 01:00

Rory McIlroy's remarkable start to life as a professional golfer continued in the third round of the Madrid Open today, the Co Down teenager carding a round of 66 to lie in third place.

And the 18-year-old remains in contention to become the youngest winner in European Tour history in just his third event as a professional.

McIlroy only joined the paid ranks after playing in Britain and Ireland's narrow Walker Cup defeat in September, but was 42nd on his debut in the British Masters at The Belfry.

The 18-year-old then turned in a stunning display to finish third in the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews on Sunday, a performance which all but secured his card for next season.

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A few eyebrows might still have been raised when the teenager from Holywood, Northern Ireland, spoke about targeting a maiden tournament victory this week, but that was a distinct possibility after a third-round 66 in the Madrid Open at Club de Campo.

That gave McIlroy a share of third place with Spain's Alejandro Canizares on nine under par, four behind leader Daniel Vancsik of Argentina.

South African Dale Hayes was 18 years and 290 days old when he won the Spanish Open in 1971. McIlroy will be 18 years and 163 days old tomorrow.

"I was six or seven behind going into the final round last week and almost caught up so if I can get off to another good start and put some pressure on you never know," said McIlroy, who birdied his first three holes today and picked up five more with just two bogeys.

"I know Sergio Garcia won (the Irish Open) on his fourth start as a professional and this is only my third, and if I can shoot another 66 tomorrow you never know what could happen.

"Everyone was saying I was one of the pre-tournament favourites here, which is pretty tough to live up to, but that was just because of how well I had played last week. Luckily I have carried that form with me.

"I probably hit the ball as well as I have done for the last few months. It could have been better, could have been worse, but overall I think that 66 was a fair reflection of how I played."