World number one Rory McIlroy has expressed his confidence going into this week's Honda Classic, but is wary of the 'Bear Trap' section of holes at the PGA National Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

McIlroy has had mixed fortunes in the event, winning the tournament in 2012 to become world number one for the first time, but pulling out of the tournament in 2013 shortly after changing to Nike clubs. He then lost out in a playoff a year ago.

The Northern Irishman fancies himself to shoot some low scores in his first PGA Tour event of the year but is not taking holes 15, 16 and 17 lightly.

"To contend with not just the pressure of trying to win a golf tournament but the wind and everything else, it's a stretch of holes you just want to get through in even par and get on to the 18th tee," PA quotes McIlroy as saying.

"I can see myself shooting scores here. You know, I can see 63, 64, 65 out there, maybe some guys can't. But once you get on a roll, it's not like it's the longest course in the world.

"You've just got to position your way around, and you've still got quite a lot of wedges in your hand but if you're comfortable with that and you get yourself on the fairway, there's plenty of opportunities to make birdies."

McIlroy is over four points clear of Bubba Watson at the top of the world rankings after winning two Majors last year.