Rory McIlroy makes US Open admission as he prepares for crucial final round at Pinehurst

Rory McIlroy revealed how tough the US Open has been by saying it "feels like you play two tournaments in one week". McIlroy goes into today's final round at Pinehurst three shots behind leader Bryson DeChambeau as he attempts to end his long wait for a major.

The Northern Irishman is tied on four under with with Patrick Cantlay and Matthieu Pavon. McIlroy will play his final round with Cantlay, which will be the first time they have played together since the heated exchange with Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava in the Ryder Cup.

McIlroy's only focus will be keeping himself in the hunt with DeChambeau. He admitted it had been "a grind" around the challenging course but added he was pleased to be in the mix.

Read more: Michelle O'Neill tells unity rally that Casement Park will be built on her watch

Read more: Michael Dunlop in 'zero factory help' reminder as he reflects on TT heroics

“The wind was up a bit more but I felt like I gave a really good account of myself,” McIlroy said. “I played really well, most things were firing; I hit a couple of loose iron shots but overall would have taken one under on the first tee today.

“I’m really excited about tomorrow and the mindset will be fairways and greens, the same I’ve tried to hold onto the first three days. It’s a grind. The US Open feels like you play two tournaments in one week. Going to try to recover as good as I possibly can and get ready for one more day of grinding.

“I love the test that Pinehurst is presenting, and you’ve got to focus and concentrate on every single shot out there. It’s what a US Open should be like. It’s obviously great to be in the mix.” McIlroy will get his final round underway this evening at 7.10pm UK time.

Sign up to our f ree sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.