McIlroy raring to go – Betfred Blog

Defending champion Rory McIlroy feels he got his game where it needed to be on Saturday at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Rory McIlroy has warned his rivals that his Saturday 66 was exactly what he needed as he aims to defend his Arnold Palmer Invitational crown.

The Northern Irishman’s last tournament victory came at Bay Hill 12 months ago and he has regularly tried to talk up his game in public after some improving results.

After opening with rounds of 72 and 70, McIlroy catapulted himself 29 places up the leaderboard with a sublime third day.

Three birdies in his final four holes saw the 29-year-old move on to eight-under, one shy of Matthew Fitzpatrick who carded a flawless 67.

Fitzpatrick will be aiming for his maiden PGA Tour title on Sunday and has said he is excited rather than intimidated by the prospect of holding off the four-time major winner.

Aaron Baddeley, Matt Wallace and Kevin Kisner sit two off the pace and will hope to remain in contention but it was a tough day on Saturday for halfway leaders Keegan Bradley and Tommy Fleetwood, who could only manage a 75 and a 76 respectively.

McIlroy is Betfred’s 6/4 favourite to win on Sunday, with Fitzpatrick 7/2, and the world number six has warned his rivals that after Saturday’s play shows he is ready to challenge in the final round.

“Just what I needed,” McIlroy said of his round. “I was more in control of my golf ball today, I hit more fairways, and because of that I gave myself more birdie chances and I converted a few of them.

“So I did everything I needed to do today to get myself back in the golf tournament and excited to have another chance tomorrow.”

Odds subject to change.