Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young are set to headline the final pairing at the Masters. The world number two and world number three will go head-to-head. Their tee time is scheduled for 19:25 BST.
However, the stellar chasing pack could challenge for the title. Sam Burns, Shane Lowry, Jason Day, Justin Rose, Scottie Scheffler and Li Haotong are all within four shots of the lead.
McIlroy’s Struggles Despite Holding Lead
McIlroy headed straight to the range at Augusta National after his round. He aimed to address issues with his game.
Despite being arguably the best driver of a golf ball of his generation, McIlroy struggled off the tee. He hit only eight fairways. His 50% fairway hit rate for the tournament is the worst of anyone left in the field.
McIlroy also found the greens in regulation difficult to hit, only managing 10 of 18. He’ll need to improve those numbers if he’s to retain his masters title.
Dramatic Third Round for McIlroy
McIlroy’s final nine holes in the third round were eventful:
- Birdie
- Double Bogey
- Bogey
- Par
- Birdie
- Birdie
- Par
- Bogey
- Par
McIlroy birdied the 15th to move back into the Masters lead. He also double-bogeyed the eleventh.
McIlroy’s Mindset Ahead of Final Round
McIlroy spoke after carding a one-over 73. He is sharing the lead with Cameron Young, heading into the final day of the Masters. He said he knew the third round “wasn’t going to be easy”.
McIlroy noted the quality of the chasing pack. He added that a lot of the guys went out and played superb golf.
McIlroy said he was doing his best to hang on, and scrambled a lot on the front nine. He felt like he turned it around with the birdie on 10 and then got lucky back out on the fairway at 11.
McIlroy added that he kept thinking that if he could just shoot even par or even under par after dropping to two-over for the day after 12, that would be great. He said he stuck to focusing on himself, which was the main thing.
McIlroy believes he’ll play a little bit freer in the final round. He added that he’ll play like he’s already got a Green Jacket. He thinks the atmosphere will be a little bit easier, and that it’s a comfortable group for both him and Young, with whom he played the first two days.
The final round promises to be sensational. Coverage begins at 18:30 BST.