Rory McIlroy in the mix for US Open with 'one of the best rounds of golf I've played in a while'

Holywood man excited to be back in the thick of things heading into a major Sunday, teeing off in the next-to-last group

Rory McIlroy looks for his ball alongside the cart path on the 15th fairway during the third round of the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Rory McIlroy seemed determined as he headed from the range for his late-morning tee time. Players were already coming off the course posting good numbers, and the Northern Irishman looked ready to get after it.

Making the turn at 1-under, McIlroy lit up the back with birdies at 10, 12, 13, and 18, his lone bogey a quality save after pulling his drive into the canyon on 15 not far from a massive rattlesnake. His 4-under 67 tied Paul Casey for low round of the day and vaulted McIlroy 17 places up the leaderboard to fourth place heading into the final round of the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.