The third round of the Masters is in the books, and what looked to be a runaway for Rory McIlroy on Friday is setting itself up to be a frantic finish on Sunday. McIlroy struggled with his worst round of the tournament, allowing his massive lead to completely evaporate.
Here are some takeaways from Saturday’s action, including some history from Shane Lowry as he adds to his impressive collection of holes-in-one throughout his career.
Rory McIlroy’s lead is gone
Things can change rapidly in professional sports, and McIlroy found that out first-hand on Saturday.
He entered the day with a six-stroke lead at the Masters and seemingly in control of the tournament. He was just the sixth golfer to have a six-stroke lead through two rounds in men’s majors history, with the previous five all going on to win.
It was his to lose.
He certainly put himself in position to do just that.
Thanks to a 73 round that left him one-over par on Saturday, he now finds himself going into the final round in a tie for the top spot with Cameron Young at 11-under.
Sam Burns is just one stroke back at 10-under.
McIlroy bogeyed four holes on Saturday, including a double-bogey on the 11th to help open the door back up for the field and bring him back to the pack.
It is anybody’s guess on what you are going to get from him at the Masters, and that is going to be especially true on Sunday. He could put it all together and shoot a 65 to regain control, or he could have a meltdown with an 80 and let it all slip away. It is going to make for some compelling viewing.
Shane Lowry adds to his impressive collection of career aces
Shane Lowry has put together quite a list of holes-in-one throughout his career, and he added to it on Saturday by making some history at Augusta.
His ace on the par-3 sixth hole was his second ever at the Masters, making him the first person to ever record aces on two different occasions at the Masters.
Here is a look at the drive that accomplished it.