Rory McIlroy enters the final round of the PGA Championship at Wentworth within striking distance of a second title at the event, aiming to cap a season that already includes a Masters victory. On Sunday, McIlroy completed a third round 69 to position himself two shots behind the joint leaders, Filippo Celli and Manuel Elvira, who sit atop the leaderboard at 13 under par.

McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, has a deep connection to the Wentworth course, where he first played as a child and won his last PGA Championship title in 2014. Speaking ahead of the final round, he acknowledged the tournament’s significance to his career and personal history, noting he now owns a home on the estate.

The third round proved challenging, with McIlroy describing it as a "frustrating day" due to difficult wind conditions that tested all competitors. He was one over par through 11 holes but managed to close strongly with a birdie at 17 and an eagle at the 18th. His approach shot on the final hole set up the eagle and secured his 69.

McIlroy expressed appreciation for the tournament atmosphere, highlighting the enthusiastic crowds that have accompanied the event. “Great tournaments need great crowds and, honestly, this is one of the best atmospheres we play in all year,” he said.

The top of the leaderboard features several unexpected names. Filippo Celli and Manuel Elvira, ranked 358th and 294th globally respectively, both birdied the final hole to reach 13 under par. Alejandro del Rey, Johannes Veerman, and JJ Spaun are just one shot behind at 12 under. Spaun comes into the tournament with added motivation after being overlooked for the United States Presidents Cup team. Both del Rey and Veerman posted impressive 64s on Sunday, matching the number of under-par rounds by Kristoffer Reitan, who joins McIlroy in a group at 11 under. Reitan is playing alongside Joaquín Niemann, Adam Scott, and Davis Bryant.

Among those not in striking distance are prominent players such as Adam Scott, who missed an eagle putt on the 18th hole to close his round, and Robert MacIntyre, who is at 10 under alongside Ludvig Åberg. MacIntyre shot a 66 and remarked candidly on his performance, noting strong putting despite inconsistency with his iron shots.

McIlroy’s positioning also has implications for the DP World Tour Order of Merit. Should he finish sole second or better, he will move ahead of Patrick Reed in the standings.

With a tightly packed leaderboard and changing weather conditions, the outcome of Sunday’s final round remains highly uncertain. Many competitors have shown the ability to both falter and surge, making predictions difficult as the tournament concludes at Wentworth.