(Hamilton) Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre posted a 66 (minus-4) at the PGA Canadian Open on Saturday to take the lead at the end of the third round.
MacIntyre started the day tied with New Zealander Ryan Fox. The two men were two strokes ahead of the rest of the field.
But Fox settled for par to find himself in second position, which he shares with Canadian Mackenzie Hughes (67), at under-14.
If Hughes can erase his four-shot deficit to MacIntyre in the final round, it will be the first time in 110 years that Canadians have won back-to-back men’s national golf championships.
“I’ve never been encouraged like that, ever, because when I play in the United States, I’m basically nobody,” said Hughes, a Dundas, Ont., native. Being here at home, you feel like they really push you to do better.
“I made a putt at 10e, and I got goosebumps because the crowd went wild. I feel like I will remember certain moments for a long time. »
Nick Taylor became the first Canadian to win the tournament in nearly seven decades last year.
A two-time champion of the event, Rory McIlroy was still a crowd favorite on Saturday. The encouragement could be heard every time he made a birdie. His minus-5 card allowed him to recover from Friday’s plus-2, placing him in 11the position.
“I feel like an honorary Canadian at this point and the support I get here is incredible,” said McIlroy, who won his first Canadian Open on the same course in 2019. “I keep saying it, but it It’s just a pleasure to play in an atmosphere like that.
“The crowd is so good and enthusiastic, they can’t wait for another day. »
Canadian Corey Conners (67) is tied with McIlroy. Taylor Pendrith (66) is one step behind, at 15e step.