Sports

Rory McIlroy shoots 31 on front nine, moves into tie for lead at Wells Fargo Championship

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, reacts after missing a birdie putt on the third hole during the third round of the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, May 16, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) (The Associated Press)

Phil Mickelson watches his tee shot on the fourth hole during the third round of the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, May 16, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) (The Associated Press)

Rory McIlroy shot a 5-under 31 on the front nine Saturday to move into a tie for the lead at the Wells Fargo Championship. Phil Mickelson is just one shot behind in third-round play.

McIlroy and Webb Simpson are both 12 under.

Mickelson is one hole ahead of McIlroy on the course, making for some loud cheers from the crowd that others can't help but hear.

McIlroy had five birdies on front nine; Mickelson had four.

Robert Streb, who was tied for the second-round lead with Simpson, is holding at 11-under along with Mickelson.

Justin Thomas shot a -7-under 65 despite a bogey on the difficult 18th hole. The 22-year-old is three shots back.