Tom Kim moved to 14-under, minus three on the day, but he was joined by Matt Fitzpatrick, a game behind, minutes later, the pair handling the tricky wind as they made their way on the 7,200-plus Renaissance Course near North Berwick.
The shootout also included Aussie professional Min Woo Lee who was playing alongside Fitzpatrick.
The third member of the group, Robert MacIntyre, was slipping away and was plus one for the day and on minus 11, three shots adrift.
McIlroy was still on minus-12, six-under for the day, and he was on the 14th with holes running out.
The popped in a six-foot put on the 15th as he moved on having registered seven birdies on the day, five in an outward half of 31 and two before he walked to the 15th tee.
Could the Irishman claw back the two-shot deficit? That was the question on the lips on many fans here.
