Saturday 26 August 2017 21:01, UK
Rory McIlroy carded a third round one-under 69 at The Northern Trust as the four-time major winner struggled to build consistency and momentum during the FedExCup play-offs.
The FedExCup defending champion, who will play a maximum of five events in the rest of the season, carded a second successive under-par round but is well off the pace at Glen Oaks Club.
McIlroy, who is without a worldwide victory since last September's Tour Championship, began his front and back nines with bogeys in a round which saw the world No 4 mix four birdies with three bogeys in New York.
The 28-year-old, who is 44th in the FedExCup standings, fired a fine iron shot from 156 yards to within seven feet before converting it for birdie at the par-4 eighth hole.
Further birdies at the par-5 13th and par-4 16th helped McIlroy, who continues to battle with his swing, finish his round at level par for the tournament and show some signs of improvement after a damaging opening-round three-over 73.
Ian Poulter who played alongside McIlroy in Saturday's third round, suffered a difficult four-over 74 which saw the Englishman mix three birdies with seven bogeys to fall back to four-over-par for the tournament.
The Northern Trust, where the top 125 players in the FedExCup standings play, is the first in a series of four play-off events which culminates with the top 30 players heading to the Tour Championship next month.
Watch The Northern Trust throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage continues on Sunday from 5pm.
