Rory McIlroy got his British Open preparations back on track with a three-under-par 68 on day three of the Scottish Open on Saturday.

The double Major winner emerged from light mist that engulfed the Royal Aberdeen course to move back inside the top 20 as the leaders were heading out.

Despite a first hole bogey McIlroy bounced back to pick up three birdies in a four-hole stretch from the third before then completing the next dozen holes in one under that included a 16th hole birdie.

It was a positive turnaround in form for the 25-year old who heads into the 143rd British Open next week as one of the leading favourites to win the Claret Jug for the first time.

McIlroy’s return to form came a day after he posted his worst European Tour score in 51 weeks in signing for a horror seven-over 78 and just a stroke outside his 2013 British Open round of 79.

“The conditions out there this morning were certainly easier than they were yesterday so that helped with scoring,” he said.

“They also have actually moved a few of the tee boxes up on the back nine which makes it a bit easier.

“So overall it was a good round of golf. I didn’t get off to a great start again. I was one over through two holes when you’re looking to really be one under, with the second a reachable par 5.

“But after that I played very solidly, four birdies and no bogeys. Didn’t really put myself in too much trouble.”

McIlroy is competing in the Scottish Open for the first time since 2009 and will head to Royal Liverpool on Sunday ahead of teeing up in his seventh British Open and with his previous best finish sharing third place in 2010 at St Andrews.