Rory McIlroy tops Masters leaderboard ahead of final round at Augusta after record-breaking performance
Rory McIlroy is closing in on his first green jacket – after a record-breaking performance put him in sight of Masters glory.
The Northern Irishman will head down Magnolia Lane on Saturday morning with Bryson DeChambeau breathing down his neck as he seeks to end an 11-year major drought and complete the grand slam, following a stunning third round.
McIlroy, who leads the American by two, burst out of the blocks and needed just three shots on each of the opening five holes – a feat achieved by no other – under the famous pine trees.
A trio of birdies and an eagle saw him surge four clear of the pack and had Sky commentators joking about needing medical assistance in the booth.
‘Anybody got a Valium?’ asked legendary swing coach Butch Harmon, while Laura Davies called for paramedics.
Rory McIlroy tops the leaderboard on 12-under after three rounds at The Masters in Augusta
McIlroy made four birdies and two eagles, as well as two bogeys, as he carded 66 on Saturday
The Northern Irishman has never won The Masters but will go into the final day as the favourite
Two bogeys in three holes around the turn threatened to erase some of the shine.
But McIlroy hit back and a stunning eagle at 15 helped him record a brilliant 66 for the second day in a row to leave him 12 under.
LIV rebel DeChambeau, however, is lurking at 10 under after signing off with a stunning long putt at 18.
Canada’s Corey Conners, America’s Patrick Reed and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg are also among those on the 35-year-old’s tail along.
Day one and two leader Justin Rose faded to five under, along with defending champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler.
The USA’s Bryson DeChambeau is also well in contention, having ended Saturday 10 under par
Canadian Corey Conners is currently third on the leaderboard – just four shots behind McIlroy
