Despite Rory McIlroy being just one round away from becoming the new World No.1 Tiger Woods issued the Northern Irishman he has still much to learn.

McIlroy moved two strokes clear of the field in bright but windy conditions to greet players on day three of the Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens.

However while he was again a little wayward with the driver McIlroy displayed the brilliance that has put him on the verge of reaching the top rung in the game and some four years and five months after he turned professional at the 2007 British Masters ranked a lowly 1,309th in the world.

McIlroy played some superb shots from the rough and bunkers in carding a third round 66 and move to 11-under par in the $US 5.7m event.

But Woods, who became the youngest-ever World No.1 in June 1997, has suggested to McIlroy not to get carried away if he should displace fellow European Luke Donald at the top of the rankings.

“I played with Rory in Abu Dhabi the first two days and he’s still learning,” said Woods.

“He’s developed a lot but also he’s got a lot to learn, too, which anyone that age, they are‑‑ even a guy like Ryo (Ishikawa) has won professional golf tournaments since he was 16 or something like that, he’s been out here for a long time, but still, he’s still learning. 

“They are still very young.”

Woods goes into the final round of the Honda Classic trailing nine strokes behind McIlroy in a share of 18th place at two under par.