Rory McIlroy delivered a masterclass in clutch golf, carding a spectacular eagle on the 18th to surge within two strokes of the lead heading into today’s final round of the PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The 37-year-old Northern Irishman’s stunning four-iron approach from 230 yards on the last hole, leaving a tap-in eagle, capped a three-under-par 69 that has him poised for glory at 11-under overall, joint-sixth with four others.

McIlroy’s round appeared destined for mediocrity when he stood one-over through 11 holes. Birdies on the 12th and 17th steadied the ship before that majestic approach shot on 18 transformed his round.

“I think it was a day when you really had to take advantage of the par-fives, they were your scoring opportunities,” McIlroy said. “The wind was up and down a little bit, so it was hard to trust that the wind was going to do what you thought it was going to do, but I stayed as patient as I could.”

Spain’s Manuel Elvira and Italy’s Filippo Celli share the lead on 13-under, whilst Alejandro del Rey, JJ Spaun and Johannes Veerman lurk one shot back on 12-under, ensuring Sunday’s finale remains wide open.

“I’d love to win this tournament again. It’s been 12 years and I have so many great memories of Wentworth.”

With momentum behind him and Wentworth’s greens under his feet, McIlroy enters Sunday primed to pounce.