Rory McIlroy carded four birdies on the front nine in the final round

Rory McIlroy finished tied third in the USPGA Championship after recovering from a double-bogey start to fire an excellent two-under-par 70 on Sunday.

The Holywood player enjoyed his best finish at a major after ending on three under at Hazeltine.

Graeme McDowell ended level after a 72 while an eight at the par-three eighth dashed the hopes of Padraig Harrington, who also finished level after a 78.

South Korea's E.Y. Yang won on eight under, three clear of Tiger Woods.

McIlroy hit back after his poor opening hole to card five birdies and one bogey.

"It could have been better - the first hole hasn't been kind to me all week but after that I played really good golf," said McIlroy.

"I missed a couple of chances on the way in but I made a couple of good up and downs on the 17th and 18th.

"I've put in a really strong finish and I'm really pleased with myself.

"The key was being patient. I didn't get flustered when I made a six at the first as I knew I had a few chances on the front nine to get it back."

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