Defending PGA Champion, Rory McIlroy is headed for his best finish in the Majors this year after a stirring three under par 67 for a three under par tally and a then clubhouse share of seventh place at Oak Hill.

McIlroy birdied three of closing six holes including the 17th and 18th and the hardest holes of the course, for his lowest score of the week.

“I probably made up at least three, three and a half shots on the field with those two closing birdies,” he said.

“My game is getting there and it was good to feel the sort of rush again.

“I felt it a bit in San Antonio (Valero Texas Open) this year where I was runner-up.

“So making a birdie on 17 today is like making an eagle and then to follow that up with a birdie at the last was even better.”

The 24-year old had commenced day three of the year’s final Major at level par and nine strokes behind American Jason Dufner and with McIlroy, at the time, jumping 21 places and well inside the top-10.

McIlroy arrived in suburban Rochester with results of T25th in the Masters, T41st in the US Open and disappointingly missing the cut in last month’s Open Championship at Muirfield.

“I know this is a Major championship and it’s a bit different, but I felt good enough about my game that I could go out there and post a good one today and at least give myself a chance going into the final round,” he said.

“To play like that today on this golf course after doing what I needed to do on Friday just to make the cut is very pleasing.

“I’ve got another 18 to play, and hopefully I can just keep playing the way I am.”