The Canadian Open showcased the quality the breakaway LIV Golf Invitational Series could not match on Saturday, with defending champion Rory McIlroy sitting atop a glittering leaderboard featuring three of the world’s top 10. After a week of verbal sparring and threats between the PGA Tour and the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Series, the spotlight was on golf on Saturday with the Canadian Open underscoring the quality gap between the two Tours.

South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel held off compatriot Hennie Du Plessis to win the opening event of the LIV Series at the Centurion Club outside London to collect the biggest pay cheque in golf history of $4 million. The PGA Tour, meanwhile, can point to a rollicking third round at St George's Golf and Country Club which ended with four-time major winner McIlroy and world No. 18 Tony Finau tied atop the leaderboard at 11-under. Lurking two back going into the final round are world No. 6 and PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas and No. 9 Sam Burns. The field also includes world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and No. 4 Australian Cam Smith.

“You look at it out there today (Saturday), I mean it’s certainly the best atmosphere of any golf tournament going on this week,” said McIlroy, who has been vocal in support and loyalty to the PGA Tour. “I’m pretty sure what’s going to happen over the final 18 holes here is going to be more entertaining than what other golf was played this week anywhere else.”

While the Canadian Open appears headed towards a bright finish, the tournament has spent much of the week under an ominous cloud. The LIV Series has been an unwanted distraction, announcing a new signing almost every day, starting with six-time major winner Phil Mickelson on Monday, followed by Bryson DeChambeau on Friday and Patrick Reed on Saturday.

Then as opening round play was just getting underway on Thursday, the PGA Tour said it had suspended players taking part in the LIV series – a move LIV organisers described as vindictive and which could lead to a legal battle.

Thomas took a moment on Saturday to praise the Canadian Open as an example of what those joining the LIV Series were missing.