Q. That was a transformative final three holes, was it not?
RORY McILROY: I think it was, yeah. The first 33 holes were quite average to say the least.
Yeah, it was nice to finish with a flourish and at least have some positivity going into the weekend. I obviously got myself a little closer to the leaders.
The leaders still have nines holes to play. So I don't know where I'm going to be going into the weekend, but it's not as far away as it seemed to be about an hour ago. So that's a good thing.
Q. Was it something that just clicked or it just happened, birdie, birdie, eagle finish?
RORY McILROY: I think it just happened. Hit two lovely shots into 16, and hit a really nice iron shot into 17.
And then got lucky at the last. I was trying to go up the left side of the creek, and I ended up going up the right side. It's one of those ones, you're in the middle of it, you might miss it one side or the other. Not a great design of the golf ball, but anyways.
Q. Who designed it?
RORY McILROY: I'm not sure. But yeah, got away with it and hit a great 4-iron for the second, probably the best swing I've made all week, to set up the eagle.
It was really nice to finish like that. As I said, gives me some positive vibes to work with going into the weekend.
Q. And important for you because it is the final weekend of the season, you've got a stated objective for the week.
RORY McILROY: Yeah, and Fitz is obviously making it more difficult for me. I don't know what the permutations are but as long as he keeps playing well, I'm going to have to play better. It's a good challenge coming up the last 36 holes, and I at least feel like I've still got something to play for here, so I'm excited for that.
Q. And finally, what was the dynamic like out there, obviously playing with someone who has had a bit of LIV experience this season?
RORY McILROY: Yeah, it was fine. Look, I've known Adrian a long time. He probably put in one of the most impressive performances this year; going 19-under par around Valderrama is an unbelievable achievement.
Look, it is what it is. He's a great player. He deserve to be here because he's made it into the top 50 and he's played well. The dynamic was absolutely fine.
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