The American started the day with a three-shot cushion, and if he was to continue on the form he had done the previous two days it looked to be smooth sailing.
But he found water off the tee on the par three seventh resulting in a double bogey, and the bad scoring wasn’t done. A further dropped shot in the eighth hole put him back to 11 under. And the tournament invitee had one eye on what McIlroy was doing….
“I saw it” said Young. “I think I was talking to my dad before we went out and played that I put the over/under about 64 1/2. I guess it was on the underside of that.
“But yeah, someone like him (McIlroy), I feel like you expect him to do that. Figured he wasn’t going to be 30th for long.”
Young fought back well, three birdies coming back home put him back on top of the leadboard after a whirlwind day for the man who is yet to win on a Major tour. If he was to break that duck on Sunday, he would also become just the fifth American to win this event in its 35-year history.
“Obviously it’s been a while since those Korn Ferry Tour wins. It would be a nice feeling.
“It’s one of those times that you feel like kind of at peace with what you’ve done, and it’s something I would love to do tomorrow. But I’ve put myself in another great place to have a chance, and I’m happy with that.
“So if I go out and go through the process that we’ve kind of set up for tomorrow and see what happens, see what happens.”
Rory McIlroy had the round of the day after his sublime 63, which equals his lowest score around the Majlis, and is just two shots back from Young. There is more about that magical round from Rory on page four. The Northern Irishman is set to tee it up alongside Young in the final pairing.
Dubai based Adrian Meronk is also on the same number, as the three-time winner, at 12 under. Joining the World Number Two in a tie for second after his third round of two under 70.
Haotong Li and Rasmus Højgaard sit in 4th spot at nine under par, realistically a touch too far back to contend for the coveted Dallah trophy.
You can find the full draw sheet for the fourth and final round on page 10. Have a great day!
Image: Getty Images
