KOHLER, Wisconsin — Rory McIlroy failed to capitalise on "a dream start" to the third round of the PGA Championship as he faded from contention on Saturday.
The world number one posted his best score of the week, but a 68 for six-under-par 210 was not enough to keep pace with the leaders amid low scoring at Whistling Straits.
McIlroy mixed the stellar with some "patchy" golf in a round highlighted by a 65-foot eagle putt from the fringe at the par-five fifth.
"It was a day that started well and ended well, birdieing two of the last three holes," said the Northern Irishman, who is competing for the first time since he ruptured an ankle ligament while playing soccer with friends on July 4.