The Arnold Palmer Invitational is set for a grandstand finish. While the usual suspects are hovering over the top spot, there is a certain unknown inside the top 10 standings. Still new to the PGA Tour, 23-year-old Pierceson Coody has relished playing at the game’s highest level. His third-round score of six-under par put him in contention ahead of Sunday’s final, alongside earning applauds from none other than Rory McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy praises up-and-coming Pierceson Coody

The four-time major championship winner established a sound foundation to wage a title challenge himself, posting six-under par so far. But he was asked about the exceptional performance of youngster Coody, for which McIlroy didn’t hesitate to heap praise.

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“You know, the fact that Pierceson’s here and made the cut and then goes out and shoots 66 this morning, and all of a sudden he finds himself in the golf tournament. You know, he’s obviously been playing well on the Korn Ferry [Tour],” he said.

The seasoned golfer was clearly impressed with the young talents coming through the ranks. “It’s great to see guys like that get an opportunity,” he said.

Is Pierceson Coody the future of the PGA Tour?

The 23-year-old has been one of the biggest talents to emerge from the Korn Ferry Tour. Despite two serious injuries in the past 15 months, Coody has won two titles on the tour. He turned pro last year and is on a sponsor’s exemption on the PGA Tour.

Interestingly, Coody comes from a lineage of world champions. His grandfather, Charles Coody, was the winner of the 1971 Masters Tournament. The youngster also has a twin brother, Parker Coody, who joined him at the Honda Classic last month.

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But Coody’s performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational is set to become his first big break. Virtually unknown to the majority of the spectators, the 23-year-old secured three back-to-back birdies to shoot 71 to guarantee his place for the weekend. Teeing up early, Coody kept it low in windy conditions, which helped him garner seven birdies in the third round that rocketed his place at the top echelons of the standings.

Already on T7, can Coody surpass all expectations and secure his PGA Tour title? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.