At the end of a tumultuous and frankly thrilling third round at the US PGA Championship, there are two European Tour Members at the top of the board and plenty more besides just behind – here’s what those in close attendance of Rory McIlroy and Bernd Wiesberger had to say on Saturday…
Louis Oosthuizen (T6 / 70-67-67 / -9)
“The way the golf course is now, you can attack quite a bit, and you know you don't get that opportunity every time you play a major, so it will be fun. I think it should be very interesting tomorrow to see the guys probably go at a lot of pins.
“I think the way the golf course is set up meant I definitely played a bit more aggressive than I would usually. Still I tried to give myself as many birdie opportunities, because I feel like the putter is really behaving.
“I played nicely, after a rough start, and just putted beautifully, which was the same as yesterday. I missed quite a few putts over the edges, but I made some good ones as well. I’m just happy, I'm swinging it better, making a few putts and I'm right up there.”
Henrik Stenson (T6 / 66-71-67 / -9)
“Very happy with the way I played, as my long game was much better today, similar to the first round. I hit some really quality long irons, five and six irons, really close, and I didn't make all of the putts, but the putter was still behaving nicely. All in all, a good round and I'm happy with the way I'm playing.
“You have got to be there on the back nine. I prefer to be two ahead, but if I'm two behind you know you're in with a chance if you drain a couple of good putts and hit some good shots.
“It's all about positioning, being there, as you never what can happen. I've been up there a few times, but I haven't had the best chances of winning one of the big ones in the past, even though I've had some high finishes. It's always been a couple too many away, I feel.
“Hopefully tomorrow I can make it a little bit tighter on the back nine. Again, I'm focusing on my stuff and we'll see what happens.”
Mikko Ilonen (T6 / 67-68-69 / -9)
“I've got to hit more fairways as I missed a couple of fairways today, when I was hitting good drivers earlier in the week. The thing for me with the scoring that I've had is I've putted very consistently. I've had the speed all the way, all through the three days and that's really the key for me that I stay relaxed on the greens and I feel the speed.
“Playing with Rickie – obviously he's a favourite over here – and I think it's been about 13 years for me since I've heard such roars. That was when I played with Tiger (Woods) at the Masters.”
Jamie Donaldson (T10 / 69-70-66)
As for the Welshman, he did his chances of a maiden Ryder Cup appearance the power of good on Saturday thanks to a 66 andyou can find out what he had to say here.
