The traditional sound of Sunday at the Masters Tournament could be for Rory McIlroy this year. McIlroy (-12), attempting to win the career Grand Slam, will take a two-shot lead into the final round at Augusta National Golf Club.
The Northern Ireland native has become a favorite of Patrons at the Masters with so many close calls over the years. McIlroy has finished in the top-ten seven times in the past 11 years at Augusta.
“(Sunday) in that final group is going to be — it’s going to be a little rowdy and a little loud,” McIlroy said after his 66 on Saturday, during which he became the first player in Masters history to begin a round with six consecutive threes. “I’m just going to have to settle in and really try to keep myself in my own little bubble and keep my head down and, you know, sort of approach tomorrow with the same attitude that I have tried to approach the last three days with.”
“I, just as much as anyone else, know what can happen on the final day here,” McIlroy said. “You know, I’ve got a lot of experience. I came in here talking about being the most complete version of myself as a golfer, and you know, I just have to keep reminding myself of that and remind myself that no matter what situation or scenario I find myself in (Sunday), I’ll be able to handle it.”
Joining McIlroy in Sunday’s final pairing is Bryson DeChambeau (-10). The two-time U.S. Open champion is seeking his first win at Augusta. Saturday’s 69 made him the only player to break 70 in each of the first three rounds of this year’s tournament.
“It will be the grandest stage that we’ve had in a long time, and I’m excited for it,” DeChambeau said.
“We both want to win really, really badly, and it’s — you know, shoot, there’s a lot of great players behind us, too. Got to be mindful of that and focus on — it’s about who can control themselves and who can execute the golf shots the best.”
The eventual Masters Champion has come from the final group on Sunday in each of the last eight Masters Tournaments. The largest deficit ever overcome during the final round to win the Green Jacket is eight, by Jack Burke, Jr. in 1956.
Lurking four shots off of McIlroy’s lead is Corey Conners of Canada, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour seeking his first major championship. Conners (-8) put himself into position with a 70 on Saturday.
“I’ve got a lot of faith in my game,” Conners said. “What the other guys do is kind of out of my control, but I’m going to have to go and play a really good round of golf (Sunday).
Two-time and defending champion Scottie Scheffler (-5) enters the day in a group of five that are seven behind McIlroy’s lead. Scheffler is attempting to become the youngest golfer to win three Masters Tournaments at the age of 28.
“There is a school of thought when it comes to that,” Scheffler said. “Last year, I had two big comebacks, one at THE PLAYERS and one at the Olympics. Did I press or force things? Did I play more aggressive? Not really. I just gave myself the most amount of opportunities and I hit a lot of good shots and was able to hole some putts.
Going into (Sunday), I’m going to see if I can get a good feel, and then you never know.”
For Sunday tee times, click here. For live scores, click here.
This story will be updated throughout the day.
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