World No. 1 Rory McIlroy served notice he’s not about to let go of a second Rodman Wanamaker Trophy by holing a seven-foot birdie putt at his last hole to break clear of his rivals for a one shot lead heading to the final round of the 96th PGA Championship at Valhalla.

After finding a greenside bunker with his 5-iron second shot, the triple Major winner kept alive the goal of capturing a second straight Major Championship with a second straight round of 67 to move to 13-under par in the season’s final Major.

McIlroy will play the closing round round with Austrian Bernd Wiesberger and with the double European Tour winner, and competing in only his sixth Major and after making the cut in one of the prior five, shooting the best round on day three of a 65 to be in second place at 12-under par.

However McIlroy remains the player to beat as he seeks to capture the Kentucky Triple Crown – Victory in The Open, success in last week’s Bridgetone Invitational and now a win in the city home to the Kentucky Derby.

Rory McIlroy continues to lead a chasing pack with one round to play in the 96th PGA Championship. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

And three-time Major winning McIlroy delivered a timely reminder to his rivals ahead of the final round.

“I came from three shots behind last week to win and the guys got pretty close to me at the Open Championship and they got close to me again today and I was able to respond with a great back nice,” he said.

“It’s not the biggest lead I’ve ever had but I am still in control of this golf tournament so it’s a great place to be.

“My two birdies on 15 and 16 were huge and to birdie the last from the bunker was great but it was important to finish with the lead and it will ensure I sleep well tonight.

“But I’m loving this, just lovin’ in and it’s where I want to be.  You don’t practice hard and put in all the hours on the range not to be starting off on a Sunday in a Major mid field.

“And while it can be stressful at times but as I said it’s the best place to be leading a Major Championship with a round to play.”