Rory McIlroy’s Masters rollercoaster continued as his six-shot lead evaporated during a dramatic third round. A one-over par 73 saw him swing the door open to his rivals.
McIlroy will go out for the final round level on 11 under with American Cameron Young. He said he would have wanted to be in a better position going into Sunday, having started out with a six-shot lead, but that he still has a great chance and is in the final group.
McIlroy’s Struggles on Saturday
Many predicted a procession for the defending champion going into Saturday’s third round. McIlroy’s struggles saw his commanding lead disappear.
McIlroy found eight of the 14 fairways in the third round, the same as he did on Friday when he shot a 65. On Thursday, he only hit five as he posted a 67.
Of those to make the halfway cut, he is bottom of the class in accuracy off the tee. This, coupled with his poorer short game on Saturday, shows how Augusta took chunks out of his lead.
The Mental Game at Augusta
Finally landing the Masters last year provided 36-year-old McIlroy with a sense of liberation.
During his first two rounds, he played with the greater mental freedom which he predicted reaching his golfing Everest would provide. That meant finally conquering Augusta National to complete the career Grand Slam.
The five-time major champion showed patience to take control of the leaderboard, even though he was not playing as well as the scoreboard suggested. The ability to recover from wayward driving was key to McIlroy’s success, staying calm in the pressure moments to play sensibly when required before attacking when the chances arose.
An uncluttered mind was missing on Saturday. It could not ride to the rescue.
McIlroy’s Response and Sunday’s Outlook
McIlroy said he will go to the range and figure it out. He added that he still has a great chance but if he is going to win he will have to play better.
Many players gave the old place a beating on Saturday, with watered greens allowing favourable scoring conditions. McIlroy was one of three players inside the top 28 who did not finish under par for the round.
The drama which Rory McIlroy has produced at the Masters over the years is woven into the fabric of his story.
On Sunday, McIlroy is aiming to become only the fourth man to win successive Masters titles.