Jon Rahm will take over as world number one if he can convert his four-shot lead into victory in Sunday’s final round at the Memorial Tournament.
The 25-year-old Spaniard holed four birdies in succession from the 13th during the third round as he hit a four-under 68 to lead on 12 under from Americans Ryan Palmer and Tony Finau, who had 73s.
Rahm, who closed with two pars to record the joint lowest score of round three, will take over as world number one if he wins and Rory McIlroy fails to finish joint second. Rahm can also take the top spot if he finishes second and McIlroy is outside the top 30 and Justin Thomas does not win. McIlroy is currently tied 12th on two under par, while Thomas is 12 shots back on level par.
Rahn, who would become only the second Spaniard to top the rankings after Seve Ballesteros, said: “I’ve got to reflect on a good job,” he said. “The plan is to do the same again, fairways and greens, and if I can hit the ball on the green to 30 feet I fancy my chances.”
Palmer, who led overnight with Finau, dropped two shots in the final three holes to drop back level with his fellow American. Willett, the 2016 Masters champion, is the leading Englishman after following his six-under 66 on Friday with a 70, which featured four birdies on the back nine.
Tiger Woods, playing in his first tournament for five months, added a 71 to his second round 76 to improve to two over par and a share of 37th. The 15-time major champion, who complained of a bad back before Friday’s second round, said he was “moving better” on Saturday. “That’s the way it is these days, I felt like I did the first day,” added 44-year-old Woods, who has won the Memorial at Muirfield Village a record five times.
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