At the Wells Fargo Championship, Tyrrell Hatton fired a 6-under 65 on Friday to take a share of the lead, while Rory McIlroy’s quest for a tournament record-tying fourth title encountered a significant setback.
Hatton, who has one PGA TOUR triumph in addition to six more on the DP World Tour, completed the final four rounds at Quail Hollow in 4 under par to tie Wyndham Clark and Nate Lashley for the lead after 36 holes at 8-under 134.
Clark has never won on the TOUR, while Lashley has won once.
The group of six golfers at 7 under par included Sungjae Im, J.J. Spaun, and Adam Svensson, along with Xander Schauffele, major champions Justin Thomas, and Adam Scott.
The reigning champion Max Homa moved into contention with three shots back after shooting 67.
With 28 players trailing behind the lead with 4 shots, Schauffele tagged the tournament “anyone’s game”.
“The saying goes that the cream rises hence the best players usually ascend to the top. In other words, these fields are filled with excellent players right now.” Schauffele said.
Hatton started his round on the back nine, and he finished strong with a 26 feet eagle putt on the seventh par-5 hole. On his final four holes, the Englishman made three putts that were 25 feet or longer.
“I’m obviously really happy with completing the round in such a manner since they are not the kinds of putts that can be regularly holed. It’s good to see some putts succeed.” Hatton stated.
McIlroy, who triumphed at Quail Hollow in 2010, 2015, and 2021, scored 73 and escaped missing the cut with a remarkable par on the 18th par-4 hole. On hole 18, he nearly hit his tee shot into the stream that runs along the left side of the fairway.
In an unbalanced position with the ball well above his feet, McIlroy switched clubs many times before settling in and hitting his approach shot to the front of the green. He made two putts from a 75-foot distance.
Although a seven-shot deficit may seem difficult to overcome, McIlroy shot 61 to win in 2015.
Thomas, who triumphed at Quail Hollow in the PGA Championship in 2017 and assisted in the victory of the United States at the Presidents Cup here in 2018, shot 67 to put himself in contention.
“I’m very expert at navigating the course. Although obviously different, I believe it is somewhat comparable to Augusta National. I believe there is always a spot where I can sort of get it to if I’m not hitting it well.” Thomas said.
Tommy Fleetwood, who led the first round, shot a 71 after starting with a 65 and was 6 under. Despite not having won a PGA TOUR event, Fleetwood has won six DP World Tour events. He has not lost faith in his chances.
“There aren’t many low scores and nobody is truly getting away. It merely goes to illustrate how challenging the golf test is on that particular golf course. I did a great job playing. I believe that if you do that, opportunities will present themselves for you to seize.” Fleetwood said.
After nailing the 170-yard, last par-3, Mark Hubbard ended up at 2 under. Collin Morikawa, who shot 73 twice in a row, and Jordan Spieth, who shot 77 on Friday, were two notable players who missed the cut.
