McIlroy Takes Lead with "Number 1 Power"... Kang Sung-hoon Ranks 8th

Genesis Invitational Day 3: 3 Under Par, Kuchar and Scott Tied for Lead, Woods Struggles at 5 Over Par

Rory McIlroy is making a greenside bunker shot on the 14th hole on the third day of the Genesis Invitational. Pacific Palisades, California, USA - Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Number 1 Power."

Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) shot 3-under par on the third day of the PGA Tour Genesis Invitational (total prize money $9.3 million) held on the 16th (Korean time) at the Riviera Golf Club in Pacific Palisades, California (par 71, 7,322 yards), rising to a tie for the lead at 10-under par 203. Matt Kuchar (USA) and Adam Scott (Australia) share the lead, while Kang Sung-hoon (33, CJ Logistics) is tied for 8th place (7-under par 206), all competing for the championship.

Starting one stroke behind in second place, McIlroy combined four birdies and one bogey. He got off to a good start with a birdie on the 1st hole (par 5), followed by consecutive birdies on the 8th and 9th holes, and another birdie on the 13th hole (par 4) in the back nine, gaining momentum. It is impressive that he unleashed drives up to 338 yards and operated a 'computer iron shot' with a green hit rate of 77.78%. The only regret was a bogey on the 14th hole (par 3) when his tee shot landed in a greenside bunker.

Last year, McIlroy swept three wins to become the 'Player of the Year,' and he is currently riding high after winning the HSBC Champions, which is included in the 2020 season in November. Notably, McIlroy showed superiority in his first clash with world No. 2 Brooks Koepka (USA) and even defeated Tiger Woods (USA). This is significant because the upcoming Masters in April, where Woods will defend his title, is the final puzzle for McIlroy to complete his 'career Grand Slam.'

'Number 5' Dustin Johnson (USA) emerged as a dark horse. He lowered his score by four strokes and is tied for 6th place (8-under par 205), looking for an opportunity. Koepka is tied for 28th (3-under par 210), while Woods fell back to a tie for 63rd (5-over par 218) after losing five strokes. He suffered a critical blow with two birdies, five bogeys, and a double bogey on the 13th hole (par 4) due to a '2-on 4-putt.' It is interesting that he had a 4-putt from a distance of 5.6 meters. Ultimately, he was hampered by an average of 2.38 putts per hole.

Already 15 strokes behind the leader, Woods' pursuit of the PGA Tour's most wins (83 wins) is virtually over. He will not participate in the World Golf Championships (WGC) Mexico Championship continuing on the 20th. He explained, "I am a bit tired, so I chose to rest." Kang Sung-hoon added one under par. For Korea, Lee Kyoung-hoon (29) is tied for 22nd (4-under par 209), and Kim Si-woo (25, both CJ Logistics) is tied for 28th (3-under par 210).