2025 Australian Open golf LIVE: McIlroy makes birdie at Friday’s ‘air-swing’ hole as Smith leads Aussie charge
Rory McIlroy spoke to the broadcasters after his third round today.
On his third round:
“I didn’t get off to the greatest of starts but I felt I responded well,” McIlroy told broadcasters.
“I played the back nine well again but I just need to figure out how to make some birdies on the front nine.
“Overall, I’m happy with how I responded. I’ll probably be a little too far behind to try to challenge on Sunday but I will try to end the week on a positive note and shoot my lowest score.”
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his second shot on the 17th hole.Credit: Getty Images
On hitting a banana skin early in his round:
“It was a bit of a double-whammy as it was in that turf of long grass with a banana skin over it,” McIlroy said with a laugh.
“I shouldn’t have been there in the first place after a terrible tee shot. It wasn’t the best way to start.”
On reactions to his air swing on day two:
“I hit the ball 67 times yesterday but shot a 68, at least this time I hit it 68 times,” McIlroy said with a smile.
On his chances on the final day:
“Hopefully, there is no more rain for the rest of the day as I’d love the course to get firmer and firmer,” McIlroy said.
“When you approach shots, you have to think about your landing number and what the ball will do on the ground. The course is playing well and if it does, I think I can go out there and shoot something pretty low, eight or nine under. I definitely feel there is a low score out there.”
