Golf:Rory McIlroy's hopes of making inroads on the PGA National lead faded fast during his third round on Saturday, while Graeme McDowell merely treaded water at Palm Beach Gardens.

The Ulstermen were both 10 shots off Kyle Stanley’s overnight lead this morning but their challenge never materialised.

"I guess that's why they call it the bear trap," tweeted McIlroy afterwards. "Played nice for 15 holes, I'll forget about the other three."

The three he was referring to were back-to-back double bogeys from 15. He was one over for his round before dropping those six shots, having birdied the 13th after bogeys on the fourth and sixth.

However, a 77 dropped him back to 11-over-par and a tie for 65th.

McDowell remained on four over after his best round of the week so far, a level par 70, despite a treble bogey at the par five third.

There was another dropped shot at the 12th, but birdies at the first, sixth, 11th and 18th ensured he made it back to square one.

A birdie at the last for Ian Poulter was the only joy he got out of his round of 73, which saw him drop to eight over.

The leaders were late starters but Rory Sabbatini made quick progress and moved into the lead ahead of Stanley on seven under after birdies at the fourth and fifth.