Geoff Ogilvy has shot a seven-under-par 65 to join John Senden in contention going into the final round of the US PGA Tour event in Charlotte.

Geoff Ogilvy roared into contention at the US PGA Tour's Wells Fargo Championship as he joined fellow Australian John Senden four shots behind leader Webb Simpson.

Ogilvy's seven-under-par 65 was the lowest score of Saturday's third round and left him tied eighth alongside Senden and American George McNeill going into the final day.

Only a bogey at the last slowed his nine-birdie assault on the Quail Hollow course in Charlotte, North Carolina as he strives to post Australia's first win on the tour in 2012.

Simpson birdied two of his final four holes in a three-under 69 as he reached 14-under 202 to lead by one stroke from fellow Americans Ryan Moore (68) and DA Points (69).

"I don't want to get ahead of myself," Simpson said.

"I look at the leaderboard and there's so many great players within a shot or two. So I know (Sunday) is going to be a tough day."

Senden was vying for the lead for much of the round but a double bogey on the par 3 18th dented his cause as he posted a 72.

Former champion Rory McIlroy registered eight birdies and two bogeys en route to a six-under 66 to be tied fourth with overnight leader Nick Watney, who shot an even-par 72.

The young star from Northern Ireland has a shot at regaining the world No.1 ranking this week.

McIlroy liked his chances heading into Sunday's final round after he made par on the par-four 18 to get into the clubhouse at 12-under.

"I definitely feel like I've left a couple out there," McIlroy said.

"The three-putt on 16 was pretty disappointing. You know, a 66 is a good score out there, and I feel like I've got another one of those scores in me, and looking forward to doing that tomorrow."