‘Strap on.’ Storylines, course are set up for a gripping final round at Quail Hollow

If you’ve felt that it’s taken a while for this Wells Fargo Championship to find its plot, at least from a competitive standpoint, you’re not alone.

Whether it’s because Quail Hollow Club was so unforgiving the first two days or because the game’s biggest stars – Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson played early enough Saturday that they were signing their scorecards when the leaders were heading to the first tee – this tournament has been a tick slow to develop its dramatic narrative.

Thanks to Jason Day and a kinder, gentler course setup, the storyline jolted forward Saturday, suggesting that the best has been saved for the last day.

What made Saturday the most entertaining day was a course setup that led to more birdies and more movement on the leaderboard. The par-3 holes played shorter. Pin positions were more generous.

Mickelson made a move. McIlroy made a move. Peter Uihlein broad jumped 46 spots up the leaderboard on the wings of his 9-under par 62.

“The course was easier; maybe not quite 10 shots easier but it was a few shots easier,” McIlroy said.

It was a day of possibilities after two days of relatively defensive golf and Sunday could bring more of the same.

“You’re just going to have to go after it (Sunday), hit a lot of greens, make some putts and see where you are coming around 15, and if you have to go for it and make eagle, try and make eagle, just go for it. That Green Mile’s not easy, so strap on, that’s for sure,” said Bryson DeChambeau, who will start the final round trailing Day by three strokes.

Day, who might have won the PGA Championship here last August had he not lost his golf mind on the 18^th hole of the third round when he made an eight, will start with a two-stroke lead, looking more and more like the guy who was No. 1 in the world for a total of 56 weeks.

With his combination of power and the most statistically effective putting stroke on the PGA Tour this season, it’s likely someone will have to chase down Day rather than have him back up. Either way, the characters are in place for a compelling Sunday even if Woods (nine back) is too far behind to win.

Nick Watney has been adrift in golf’s netherworld for a couple of years now, but he’s in the midst of changing that this week. Uihlein rushed the stage Saturday, hinting at the big stage breakthrough moment that’s been building for him.

DeChambeau, the Tour’s admitted science nerd, is lurking as is 21-year old Aaron Wise, who showed his tenacity by holing a chip shot on the final hole a moment after a swing and miss from thick rough beside the green. Paul Casey is just three behind and there’s Mickelson, trailing by five but close enough to think of finally winning at a place where he’s finished second, third, fourth (twice) and fifth (twice).

Spotting Day a two-stroke lead is an imposing challenge to every player chasing him. After a flat 2017 that was dulled by worries over his mother’s health and a mild case of burnout after grinding to the top of the world, Day has returned with a renewed desire and focus this year.

He’s made the cut in all nine starts this season, won the Farmers Insurance Open in February, tied for second in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and he’s devoted to regaining the No. 1 spot in the world after falling to 14^th in the rankings.

Averaging 319 yards off the tee and going 12-for-12 with his bunker play this week, Day has shown no wrinkles in his game. He’s playing with an almost unshakeable confidence, reminiscent of his play two years ago.

“I feel like it’s on the end of my tips, it’s right on the end of the tip,” Day said, rubbing his fingers. “I’m driving it better than I ever have before in my career. I’m No. 1 in putting and my short game’s coming back nicely.

“I definitely think it’s just around the corner, it’s not too far.”

Perhaps just a Sunday away.

This story was originally published May 5, 2018 at 7:41 PM with the headline "‘Strap on.’ Storylines, course are set up for a gripping final round at Quail Hollow."