McIlroy admitted patterns had been key throughout his week, saying parts of his game had been strong while other areas had proved challenging.
Rory McIlroy remains firmly in the hunt at the BMW Championship after carding a five-under-par 65 in Saturday's third round in St. Louis.
The Northern Irishman produced a strong finish, including four birdies over his final six holes, to move to 12 under par for the tournament.
Despite finding just one fairway over his opening nine holes, McIlroy relied on an impressive short game to keep his round on track before building momentum down the stretch.
His late change leaves him five shots behind overnight leader Wyndham Clark heading into the final round.
McIlroy admitted patterns had been key throughout his week, saying parts of his game had been strong while other areas had proved challenging.
He also acknowledged that catching Clark would require a special performance on Sunday.
Patrick Cantlay joins McIlroy on 12 under, while Chris Gotterup and Gary Woodland sit one shot further back.
World Number one Scottie Scheffler remains in the chasing pack at five under after a third-round 68.

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