CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The celebration began almost the moment Rory McIlroy arrived at Quail Hollow Club on Saturday with a birthday cake and a collection of presents.
The festivities continued onto the first tee when the crowd serenaded the freshly minted 30-year-old by singing “Happy Birthday” to the Northern Irishman. He completed his day in near darkness with a small group of fans offering another rendition.
In between the celebrations and well-wishes, McIlroy managed to remain in the hunt for his third victory at the Wells Fargo Championship with a third-round 68 that left him alone in fifth place at 9 under par, two shots off the lead.