Rory McIlroy is still the favourite to win the Masters, but Augusta has thrown this wide open heading into Sunday. The defending champion, chasing back to back Green Jackets, saw his cushion evaporate with a third round 73 and now shares the lead at 11 under with Cameron Young.
For 36 holes, McIlroy looked untouchable. His 67-65 start handed him a record breaking lead and the chance to become the first player since Tiger Woods in 2002 to go back to back at Augusta. But a double bogey at the 11th and a scrappier ball striking display on Saturday has changed the entire narrative.
“I’ve just got to free it up tomorrow and trust what I’ve been doing,” McIlroy said after his round. “I’m still in a great position.”
Cameron Young
If anyone has the momentum, it is Young. The American fired a stunning 65, the joint lowest round of the week, to storm into a share of the lead. Fresh off his Players Championship win, he is now chasing the same Players Masters double McIlroy pulled off last year.
“I’m not going to change anything,” Young said. “It’s worked pretty well so far.”
But this is far from a two man shootout.
Justin Rose
Justin Rose, who pushed McIlroy all the way in last year’s Masters before losing in a play off, is right in the mix again. The Englishman sits just a few shots back after a composed Saturday and looks every inch the danger man. Still searching for that elusive Green Jacket, Rose has the experience and patience that Augusta demands.
“I’m exactly where I need to be,” Rose said. “Sunday at Augusta is all you want.”
With a dozen players within touching distance, including proven winners and major champions, this feels set for a classic.
McIlroy may still be the man to beat. But one loose swing and this slips away.
