Rory McIlroy finally stamped his presence on day three of the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational with a ‘sparkle’ he admits has been missing from his game since earlier this year in losing out to Rickie Fowler in the Wells Fargo Championship.

McIlroy moved into a share of fourth place on a hot and windy day three with a round of 67 that included four birdies and only one bogey on the firey Firestone course.

Rory McIlroy says he's again found that winning 'sparkle' heading to the final round. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

It left the 23-year old curly haired Northern Irishman at six under par and just five strokes behind American Jim Furyk.

“I hit the ball well from tee to green, and I took a few of my chances early on,” said McIlroy.

“Actually had a couple of big saves around 4, 5 and 6, and just finished it off well.  I took my chance on 16 and had a good chance at 17 and didn’t make it but then holed a nice putt for par at the last.

“So yes, it’s getting there, it definitely is.  I’ve worked hard to get it back.  The last few weeks have been tough just playing so great, and obviously my expectations every time I tee it up are pretty high, and not to live up to my own expectations is not nice, but I feel like I’m definitely moving in the right direction.”

Now heading to the final round of the Bridgestone Invitational McIlroy will look to draw on the form earlier this year that nearly earned him a second Wells Fargo Championship success in three years.

“It’s perfect to now get myself in contention for tomorrow,” he said.

“If I can go ahead and shoot a good one tomorrow and post a good finish or if I go ahead and get off to a really fast start and get myself right in there with a chance, then there’s no better way to prepare for next week.

“Jim (Furyk) shot 63 out there on the first day, so I think that’s possible.  It depends on what the weather is going to be like, as well.  I know they’re forecasting storms, so I’m not sure if it’s going to be breezy or not, but anything in the mid 60s around here is a good score. 

“But then I haven’t felt this way for a while now, not since probably going into Quail Hollow.  Quail Hollow was good, and Wentworth was all right.  But yeah, sort of back in May.”

With high winds and thunderstorms expected over the final day, organisers have moved forward the fourth round tee times to between 8am and 10am local time.

McIlroy will tee up in the second last three ball off the first at 9.50am local time in the company of the Americans Bo Van Pelt and Steve Stricker.