Defending Champs in Prime Position for Sunday

Masters champion Rory McIlroy and teammate Shane Lowry delivered one of the day’s most memorable moments on Saturday at the Zurich Classic, punctuating their round with a 35-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole to surge into contention at TPC Louisiana.

The dramatic finish came after players returned from a weather delay, with McIlroy stepping onto the green after a 90-minute lunch break to drain the putt that moved the defending champions to 22-under par, just five shots off the lead heading into Sunday’s alternate-shot format.

“I think the secret is not thinking about it in those 90 minutes,” McIlroy explained. “We had a bit of lunch and we were watching some highlights from last year and talking about where we’re going to go for dinner tonight. The last thing on my mind during the delay was the putt.”

Novak and Griffin Set the Pace

Andrew Novak, fresh off his playoff loss to Justin Thomas at last week’s RBC Heritage, holds the 54-hole lead with partner Ben Griffin after posting a third-round 61. At 27-under par, the duo seeking their first PGA Tour victories will take a three-shot advantage into Sunday’s final round.

“We’re just trying to have fun. I think that’s the most important thing,” McIlroy said of his team’s strategy. “As long as we keep having fun out there, that’ll be the best way for us to get the best out of ourselves.”

Strong Challengers Emerge

The chasing pack features several compelling stories. Jake Knapp and Frankie Capan III shot the day’s low round with a best-ball 60 to reach 24-under, good for a share of second place with Japanese stars Ryo Hisatsune and Takumi Kanaya, who fired a 61.

“Getting along with the guy you’re playing with is really important,” Knapp said. “Especially if you hit a couple bad shots, whatever, it’s nice to know your partner is not going to be saying bad things about you or getting mad at you, and we’re always patting each other on the back.”

The Højgaard twins (Rasmus and Nicolai) remain firmly in the mix at 23-under par, tied with Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo. The European duo is showcasing the chemistry that could make them formidable Ryder Cup partners.

“It’s always nice to have someone next to you that has your back,” Rasmus said. “I think there is a lot of trust and belief in each other. Yeah, I’m glad I have Nicolai next to me playing tomorrow.”

With Sunday’s alternate-shot format known for producing dramatic swings, and last year’s runners-up shooting a final-round 63 in that format, the stage is set for an exciting finish as McIlroy and Lowry attempt to become the first team to successfully defend their Zurich Classic title.