Experience in golf, as in life, can be a valuable thing. And nowhere does that truism seem truer than on the West Course at Wentworth. With one round to play in the DP World Tour’s so-called “flagship event,” the BMW PGA Championship, three past-champions sit atop the leaderboard.
Matteo Manassero, the 2013 winner, leads the way at 198, 18-under par, after a sparkling third round of 63. Billy Horschel, who in 2021 became only the second American winner of this title (Arnold Palmer was first in 1975), and Rory McIlroy, 10 years on from winning here and six days removed from his latest unsuccesful brush with victory at the Irish Open, are tied for second.
At the end of a day when the three main protagonists made 20 birdies and two eagles among them (and only two bogeys, both by Horschel), it is hard to pick out the highlights, there were so many. But the star of the show has to be Manassero, the man who has been to hell and back. Once ranked one of the best 25-golfers on the planet, the now 31-year-old Italian plummeted to a low of 1,805 before rising from the golfing dead. Today he is 101st, with the obvious potential to again rise substantially should he retain his advantage for 18 more holes and repeat his success of 11 years ago.
Perhaps the most touching aspect of that resurrection is the obviously genuine pleasure it has given one of his nearest challengers. Amidst talk of how much it would mean for himself to win for the first time since May – after numerous high-profile defeats – McIlroy was quick to pay tribute to Manassero.
“I have setbacks and I usually come back pretty well from them,” said the four-time major champion, whose 66 was bogey-free. “Some are harder than others, obviously, but I think in this game you have to be resilient. But what Matteo has done is unbelievable. I don’t think you would find one player on tour that isn’t so happy for him. To be like a young phenom and then lose your game, and go play the (third tier) Alps Tour; I can only guess the extent of the character you need to do that.
“It’s amazing to see,” continued McIlroy. “I was really impressed when I played with him in Scotland earlier this year in July and obviously the final round together last week. Now again, this week. He’s such a nice guy, level-headed and good to see him back to where he belongs.”
Hearing those words, Manassero – a modest soul – appeared genuinely touched that such a talented individual as McIlroy would be so kind.
“I’m playing well,” he predictably announced. “And today much more than well. What I am trying to do is clear in my mind and I am executing them. But holing as many putts as I did today is not common. Plus, when Rory talks good, it is obviously a great sign. Last Sunday, after we played together, we were in recording. He said, ‘let’s play more final rounds together.’ My response was that any time I am out with him on the weekend it is a good sign for me. Rory’s level is something else.
“And yes, I have seen the leaderboard,” Manassero continued. “I know what I’m going to face tomorrow. It’s great position to be in. But I always try to look at how I can go out there and feel nice, feel good with myself and the task I’m going to have to face. It will not be an easy task. Golf was great to me today, but I will see about tomorrow. I will take everything in hand and when I go out tomorrow, I will make the most out of Sunday.”
A similar message was emanating from Horschel, who achieved the notable feat of seven birdies in succession on holes eight through 14 en route to his 65.
“The hole looked like the size of the Atlantic Ocean,” he said. “I made some long putts, and had some close ones, as well. It was pretty special. Tonight I’ll reminisce about my win here a little bit. But I know it’s going to be a shootout tomorrow. I don’t know how bad the weather is going to be, but the leaderboard is tight. No one is running away with it. So you have to come out and play some really good golf to try to hoist this trophy again.”
Indeed, for all three of those highest on the leaderboard there is the possibility of yet another great Wentworth experience.
