Rory McIlroy believes his destiny is in his own hands as he heads into the final round of the Honda Classic with a two-stroke lead.
The Northern Irishman famously walked off the course halfway through his second round at last year’s event at PGA National but after a difficult 2013 where he won just once, he now looks to be getting back to his best and fired a third-round 69 to remain on top heading into Sunday.
His 12-under total places him two ahead of Russell Henry and a further stroke clear of Scotland’s Russell Knox and his advantage over the field is demonstrated in the betting where he is the 1.36 favourite to win the title, as opposed to 3.30 for any other player.
Despite McIlroy’s struggles 12 months ago, the 24-year-old has won in Palm Beach Gardens before, taking the title in 2012 and he looks set to make it two victories in three years.
However, with the wind playing a part in Florida on Saturday, it could well hamper scoring in the final round and the par-3 17th – which forces the players to hit over water – could be key.
McIlroy is staying calm though and believes a repeat of his third-round performance will be enough for him to seal his first title of 2014.
“I need more of the same. I’m two ahead,” he said. “This course is all about putting your ball in play, trying not to make mistakes, picking up birdies when you can.
“If you can limit the damage as much as possible I think that’s the key, especially when conditions are like this.”
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