Rory McIlroy is poised to end his major drought, entering the final round of the Masters with a two-stroke lead. On Saturday, he surged ahead from being three shots behind Justin Rose to leading Bryson DeChambeau by two strokes.
His impressive six-under-par 66 marked his 21st round of 66 or better in major tournaments. Only Tiger Woods has achieved more such rounds since the Masters began in 1934.
McIlroy’s quest for a fifth major title has been filled with near misses since his last win in 2014. A notable disappointment was at last year’s U.S. Open, where missed putts on the final holes allowed DeChambeau to claim victory. Despite past setbacks, McIlroy remains optimistic about his chances, saying, “I still have to remind myself that there’s a long way to go.” He acknowledges the unpredictability of the final day but relies on his experience and short memory.
On Sunday, McIlroy aims to join an elite group of players who have completed a career Grand Slam. Only five golfers-Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods-have achieved this feat. McIlroy believes focusing on one shot at a time will be crucial for success. “I am a momentum player,” he stated, emphasizing the need to balance momentum with logic and rationale.
DeChambeau will accompany McIlroy in the final group on Sunday. Supported by enthusiastic fans at Augusta, DeChambeau looks forward to an exciting contest. “It’s always important in a major championship to try and be in the final group or close to it,” he remarked after sinking an impressive putt on the 18th hole on Saturday.
The anticipation for Sunday’s showdown is palpable as both McIlroy and DeChambeau prepare for what promises to be an enthralling battle. DeChambeau acknowledged the significance of competing against McIlroy, stating, “It was definitely fun knowing that it was Rory and knowing that we could have a good matchup.” While they are not alone in contention, both players are expected to deliver a thrilling test.
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McIlroy has historically succeeded when holding a lead after three rounds in majors except for one instance at the 2011 Masters. There, a back-nine collapse cost him dearly. Reflecting on this experience adds depth to his current approach as he seeks redemption at Augusta.
The stage is set for an intense conclusion at Augusta National Golf Club as golf enthusiasts eagerly await whether McIlroy can secure his place among legends or if another contender will emerge victorious.