Wayward Day seeks quick fix

Jason Day sprayed the ball all over Georgia but produced his stellar short game to remain in the hunt for the lucrative season ending Tour Championship.

Day scratched out an even-par third round of 70 at East Lake Golf Club despite hitting just five of 14 fairways, leaving the Queenslander just three shots off the lead in a tie for fourth.

World No.1 Rory McIlroy forced his way into a tie for the lead after a clutch eagle on the 15th hole, shooting a 67 to join last-start winner Billy Horschel (69) on top of the leaderboard at nine-under.

American veteran Jim Furyk (67) is third alone at seven under while Day remains six under, three back and tied with Rickie Fowler (67) and Justin Rose (66).

Both Horschel and McIlroy have their destiny in their own hands in terms of winning the season long points race for the FedEx Cup and the lucrative $US10 million ($A10.82 million) bonus, knowing a win will ensure a double celebration.

But Day hasn’t given up hope of at least stealing the $US1.4 million ($A1.51 million) tournament winners’ cheque, heading right to the range post-round to correct the fact he’s hit just 17 of 42 fairways, tied last in the field.

“I know exactly how every amateur feels. I had no idea where I was going with my driver,” Day said.

“I was stressing over pretty much every shot. Once you start losing confidence with the driver, it slowly goes down the bag, and luckily I had my short game today.”

The 26-year-old cut a lonely figure on the practice range but did manage to find some positives.

“I’m three back and I’m still in it. I’ve got to play the best golf of my life tomorrow to beat Rory and Billy but I’m not going to give up,” he said.

“I feel like I’m due a good day of hitting and I’ve felt like I’m due a win for a long time so I’m excited for the challenge.”

World No.2 Adam Scott made a move up the boards after a 65 left him four under for the week and in 10th place, needing something special to contend on Sunday.

“I’d love to have a low one tomorrow. Winning might be a dream but the course is soft, so you never know,” Scott said.

“They’ll be playing with pressure and I won’t be and we’ve seen it happen before.”

John Senden (69) is tied 23rd at six over while Geoff Ogilvy (73) continues to occupy the last spot in the 29-man field, now at 17-over.

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