Rory McIlroy self destructs but Adam Scott hangs tough in Australian Open
World number one Rory McIlroy imploded at the Australian Open and lies six shots off leaders Jordan Spieth, Brett Rumford and Greg Chalmers going into the final round.
US Masters runner-up Spieth (67-72-69) joined Rumford (70-69-69) and overnight leader Chalmers (71-66-71) in front at five-under par as The Australian course bared its teeth in windy conditions.
Only eight players were under par after 54 holes in the tournament on a challenging day around the Jack Nicklaus- designed layout.
It was a tough day out there, but I think I struck the ball very well, solid, it just felt like it was slow going
World number three Adam Scott was well-placed to go after his second national open title, lurking one shot behind the leaders with Rod Pampling after a two-under 69 to be on four-under for the championship.
But McIlroy dropped six shots off the pace after a horror round of five-over 76 and has it all to do to defend his Australian Open crown in Sunday's final round.
"The course is on a razor's edge as they are trying to create a golf course that's as unplayable as they can get it without it being so and it's right on that point," Rumford said.