Going into Sunday at Riviera, Rory McIlroy believes winning No. 30 is right there in his reach, despite Jacob Bridgeman arguably playing the best golf of his life.

After a third round 69 at the Genesis Invitational on Saturday, February 21, McIlroy found himself six shots behind the leader, Bridgeman going into Sunday at Riviera Country Club. However, that didn't deter his expectation for a victory in the tournament he has never won before.

Talking to CBS Sports following his third-round performance, the 36-year-old said, "I've given myself a chance. That's all I can ask for. It's not as big of a chance as I think I would like, but I'm going to be in that final group. I'll be able to see what Jacob's doing. But yeah, I'd love to win here."

Bridgeman, meanwhile, looked almost unbeatable. He shot a 7-under 64, making seven birdies and even an eagle on the par-5 11th. He played like someone completely ready to win his first PGA Tour title.

According to McIlroy, the greens were very hard to play. They got "fast, a little bumpy, and difficult" as the day progressed. McIlroy stayed patient and finished with seven straight pars to keep his chances alive.

But it wasn’t only about that. McIlroy also opened up on Golf on CBS about what winning No. 30 at Riviera, with Tiger Woods as tournament host, would truly mean to him.

Rory McIlroy Chasing Win No. 30 and a Special Moment with Tiger at Riviera

Riviera isn’t just another tournament for McIlroy. It’s kind of unfinished business.

He’s built his whole career winning at some of the most iconic courses out there. But Riviera, which is basically Tiger’s place, is the one that’s slipped through his fingers. Sunday gives him that one real shot to finally change that, with Woods watching as tournament host.

Besides expressing his desire to win, McIlroy also said, "It's the same thing with Tiger here. I've won at Bay Hill, but Arnold wasn't around."

That moment clearly stuck with him. Wins always matter, of course, but getting one handed to you by a living legend? That just hits different.

According to the Associated Press on February 21, McIlroy is one of just nine players in PGA Tour history to come back from six shots behind after 54 holes. And if anyone needs proof he can do it, just look at his 2023 FedEx Cup comeback against Scheffler. He’s shown before that when he’s backed into a corner, he can respond.

Sunday won't be just about win No. 30 for McIlroy, as he is also eagerly awaiting the Woods handshake besides the trophy.

But do you think that the 36-year-old will come back from six shots behind and grab his win No. 30 at Riviera on Sunday?

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Souvik Roy