Rory McIlroy cracks Scottie Scheffler joke after proud day at Wells Fargo

Rory McIlroy is flourishing in the absence of Scottie Scheffler this week but the World No.1 is still the first name on his lips.

The Northern Irishman is just one shot behind leader Xander Schauffele following a sublime third round at Quail Hollow.

McIlroy started the day four shots adrift of Schauffele in second place before cutting the gap in dramatic fashion.

The 35-year-old had his second straight bogey-free day with a four under par 67 after he shot four birdies to set up a thrilling finish.

The four-time major champion is finding some form to bounce back from his frustrating start to the PGA Tour season.

McIlroy could not resist making a joke about Scheffler, who is not in the field due to his wife, Meredith, giving birth to their first child.

Two straight bogey-free rounds, this is what it must feel like to be Scottie Scheffler,” McIlroy said.

“I think I’ve held out pretty well for the most part inside six feet, and then I think because I know this golf course so well, I’ve missed it in the right spots when I have missed the green.

“I think I’ve held out pretty well for the most part inside six feet, and then I think because I know this golf course so well, I’ve missed it in the right spots when I have missed the green.

To play two rounds in a row on this golf course in these conditions bogey free is a bit of a feather in my cap, I’m pretty proud of that.”

Scheffler’s absence from Charlotte comes after he picked up his second Masters title last month.

The two-time Major winner then backed it up with another victory at the RBC Heritage a week later.

The 27-year-old is expected to go for his third major title at the PGA Championship next week providing his child has been born by then.

McIlroy, a winner at the Quail Hollow tournament in 2010, 2015 and 2021, will hope a fourth triumph can help him set down a marker.

I’ve played really well the last two days, leaned on the driver a lot and driven the ball very, very well, which is a continuation of how I felt in New Orleans,” he added.

“I’m so comfortable on this golf course, had success here before. It’s amazing to get the support out there with the crowds and I’m excited for one more day at it.

There’s something about venues where you have had success before and the comfort level. I’ve been here for 15 years and with all the experiences, subconsciously it all comes back to you and that’s part of the reason why I feel so comfortable here.

“I need to go out and play another solid round of golf like I have done for the last three days. If I do that, the course isn’t getting any easier, the greens are getting firmer. I think it’s a stretch to think I’m going to go out and be bogey-free , but if I shoot a bogey-free round tomorrow, I think I’ve got a great shot.”