Rory McIlroy will today attempt to win the Genesis Open - the first PGA Tour event he's played in since returning to the top of the world rankings.
The Down man goes into the final round in California later tied at the top of the leaderboard on 10-under-par, alongside American Matt Kuchar and Australian Adam Scott.
McIlroy goes in the final grouping later today - kick-starting his final round alongside both Kuchar and Scott at 10.45 AM local time in California (6.45 PM Irish time this evening).
It could well go right down to the wire on day four at Riviera - just a shot behind the leading pack of three sit Russell Henley and Harold Varner III.
Dustin Johnson and Joel Dahmen are two back, while nine others, including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Hideki Matsuyama are within four of the lead.
McIlroy says he'll only be only worrying about himself on the final day.
“You just have to worry about yourself, concentrate on what you're doing, do it well, set yourself a target, don't think about anyone else and if that's good enough at the end of the day, then great. If not, then someone just played better than you and hats off to them.”
🐦🐦🐦🐦@McIlroyRory's 3-under 68 moved him to the top @TheGenesisInv.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/lbDuECMWH7
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 16, 2020
The 30-year-old is looking for a 19th win on the PGA Tour, which would also likely move him to the top of the season-long standings.
Rounds of 68, 67, and 68 have put two-time FedEx Cup champion McIlroy in a strong position to pick up another big win, but 2013 Masters champion Scott feels he's in with a shout.
“I almost feel like I know what I'm doing after 20 years of having a season and having a break and coming back out. I know what this course kind of demands of you.
"If I can replicate today for 18 holes tomorrow, I'll be very pleased no matter what happens, but I'll definitely be giving myself a chance at it.”
Meanwhile, 41-year-old Kuchar, whose record at Riviera Country Club has been poor with no top-five showings in twelve previous appearances, hopes to put that right.
“There's not a PGA Tour event you wouldn't want to win, but there are a handful that are extra special, have a great list of past champions, have a great golf course. This one's one of those.
"You chalk it up as one of those sort of extra special Tour events that you really hope to put your name as a past champion.”
Masters champion Tiger Woods shot a disappointing 76 yesterday to leave him fifteen shots adrift - a four-putt on the thirteenth hole handed the former world number one a double-bogey.
