Rory McIlroy pulled himself back into contention at the BMW Championship with a strong finish for a five-under par third round in St Louis.
McIlroy has been looking for a response after labouring to an eight-over finish at last week’s St Jude Championship, and shot a fine six-under opening round for a share of the lead, before following that up with a 69 on Friday.
The back-to-back Masters champion again appeared in steady form during the front nine on Saturday, turning at one under after a birdie on the par-three second before another on 11.
World number two McIlroy then stepped things up with a run of four birdies from the 13th, sandwiched by a bogey at 14.
The Northern Irishman found both bunkers with his opening two shots on the 18th, but then almost chipped in with a fine recovery effort before saving par.
McIlroy finished the day at 12 under, looking to keep pace with Wyndham Clark, whose own strong back nine was pulling him clear at 18 under through 16.
Chris Gotterup was alongside McIlroy at 12 under after 16 holes, with Patrick Cantlay and Gary Woodland a shot back as their third rounds moved into the closing stages.
JJ Spaun, though, saw his challenge fade after being three over as he played the 17th.
World number one Scottie Scheffler – who had coasted to an impressive victory at last week’s St Jude Championship, but was two over after a first-round 72 – sits in a group on five under after his 68.
