Shane Lowry fired a record-tying 62 in the third round of the PGA Championship on Saturday, vaulting into contention at Southern Hills Country Club. The Irishman, who won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Rory McIlroy in April, is now four shots back of leader Mito Pereira going into the final round.
Shane Lowry has been in contention at the PGA Championship before, but the 2019 Open champion has never been this close to the lead heading into the final round. Lowry's record-tying 62 on Saturday moved him up to within four shots of leader Mito Pereira, as the Irishman looks to add another major championship to his resume.
Lowry's round was a tale of two nines, as he began the day with a bogey on the 10th hole. However, he quickly rebounded with birdies on the 11th and 12th holes, and he made the turn at 3-under par.
On the back nine, Lowry caught fire. He birdied the 1st hole, and then he eagled the par-5 2nd hole. Lowry added another birdie on the 4th hole, and he drained a long putt for birdie on the 6th hole. He closed out his round with a birdie on the 9th hole, giving him a 62 that matched the lowest round of the tournament.
Lowry admitted that he was surprised by his low score, as he has been struggling with his swing in recent weeks.
"I didn't really have my best stuff today," Lowry said. "But I made some putts, and I hit some good shots when I needed to. I'm just trying to stay patient and take it one shot at a time."
Lowry's round was the highlight of a strong day for the Irish contingent at Southern Hills. McIlroy shot a 2-under par 68, and he is now tied for 10th place. Séamus Power shot a 1-under par 69, and he is tied for 16th place.
With Lowry in contention, it's possible that Ireland could have two players in the top 10 at the PGA Championship for the first time since 1996. Lowry knows that it will be a difficult task to catch Pereira, but he is confident that he can do it.
"I'm going to need to play well tomorrow," Lowry said. "But I'm feeling good about my game, and I'm excited to see what I can do."
Here are some additional highlights from Lowry's round:
* Lowry hit 10 of 14 fairways and 13 of 18 greens in regulation.
* Lowry had 28 putts, which was the fewest of any player in the field on Saturday.
* Lowry's eagle on the 2nd hole was his first eagle of the tournament.
* Lowry's round of 62 was the lowest score of his career at the PGA Championship.
Lowry will tee off in the final round at 2:50 p.m. ET on Sunday. He will be paired with Pereira and Matt Fitzpatrick.
