Golf: Rory McIlroy Takes Two-Shot Lead into Masters Final Round
Rory McIlroy surged to the top of the leaderboard at the Masters, showcasing a powerful performance on Saturday that included two eagles and four birdies, leading to a six-under-par 66. With a total score of 12-under 204, McIlroy heads into the final round with a two-shot advantage, eyeing his first green jacket and a coveted place in golf history as the sixth player to complete a career Grand Slam.
McIlroy’s historic start to the third round saw him make six consecutive threes, a first in Masters history. He began with a birdie on the first hole and quickly followed it up with a chip-in eagle at the second, propelling him past overnight leader Justin Rose and U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau.
After briefly losing momentum with bogeys on the eighth and tenth holes, McIlroy regained his footing with a crucial birdie on the 13th and an eagle at the par-five 15th, where he expertly placed his approach just six feet from the pin. This shot pushed his lead back to four strokes after it had diminished to one.
“I had a dream start,” McIlroy reflected on his performance. “I just tried to keep it going.” His ability to bounce back after setbacks was key to maintaining his lead, as he navigated the challenging back nine with poise.
DeChambeau finished strong with a three-under-par 69, making a late charge that included birdies on the last three holes to finish at 10-under 206. “That’s what dreams are made of right there,” he said, expressing his excitement as he heads into the final round just two strokes behind.
Canadian golfer Corey Conners sits in third place after a two-under-par 70, totaling 208. He launched a comeback with three consecutive birdies after struggling early on.
Meanwhile, Rose had a disappointing day, carding a three-over-par 75 that left him seven strokes off the lead, tied with defending champion Scottie Scheffler, Jason Day, and Shane Lowry. Scheffler managed an even-par 72, struggling to find his rhythm throughout the day.
