Rory McIlroy insists he’s still in contention after reaching the halfway mark at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, six shots behind the lead.
The defending champion, who finished the second round at Pebble Beach with a 67, moved to nine under par with his last birdie, chasing second round leaders Akshay Bhatia and Ryo Hisatsune.
American duo Rickie Fowler and Sam Burns are two strokes clear of the group that includes Austria’s Sepp Straka and one stroke behind the lead.
Matt Fitzpatrick is in a large group among players at McIlroy’s level with fellow Brit Tommy Fleetwood at 10 under.
McIlroy got off to a strong start, eagle the second and add two more birdies, then dropped shots either side of two more birdies after the turn.
“I feel like we just wasted a few shots there or at least weren’t as efficient in scoring and didn’t capitalize on the good start we had the last few days,” he said.
Rory McIlroy waited to tee off on the 18th hole and made a birdie there.
“I played pretty well, but the weather is going to be nice on Sunday, so (Saturday) will be a really important day to get into position.
“Sunday is going to be pretty tricky and a lot can happen, so the closer you are to the lead on Sunday the better. Even if I come into Sunday a few seconds behind, everyone will have a chance given the circumstances.”
Bhatia had an eagle and six birdies in a round of 8-under 64 at Spyglass Hill, tying last night’s leader Hisatsune at 15-under.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler picked up five strokes in the final seven holes to move to 6 under.
Watch the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am live all week on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues on Sky Sports Golf from 4.30pm on Saturday. Get Sky Sports now and stream without a contract.
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