Rory McIlroy is now in control of the green jacket at Augusta, Ga., with the opportunity to either secure it or let it slip away. Over the course of just two days, McIlroy has experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, going from being the favorite at the start of the tournament to facing disappointment after a rough start in Round 1. However, he quickly bounced back and is now leading the pack heading into the final round on Sunday.
With a score of 12-under par, McIlroy holds a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau. The big question looming over him is whether he can finally end his long-standing major drought that has persisted for more than a decade.
How it all began
As Round 3 kicked off, the leaderboard featured Justin Rose in the lead at -8, followed closely by DeChambeau at -7. McIlroy was tied for third at -6, along with Corey Conners and others. However, within a short span of time, McIlroy surged ahead and took the lead, showcasing a remarkable display of skill and determination.
Win probability at the start of Round 3
According to Datagolf.com, McIlroy was the frontrunner to win the tournament as Round 3 commenced, with DeChambeau, Scheffler, and Rose trailing behind. BetMGM odds also favored McIlroy as the top contender. McIlroy’s impressive performance in the early stages of Round 3 only solidified his position as the favorite to win.
McIlroy’s commanding lead
McIlroy’s exceptional start to Round 3, including a historic run of five straight 3s, set him apart from the competition. Despite facing challenges along the way, McIlroy managed to maintain his lead and even extended it with an eagle on the 13th hole.
Intensifying competition
While McIlroy initially seemed poised to run away with the lead, DeChambeau and other contenders narrowed the gap as the round progressed. The fluctuating leaderboard kept spectators on edge, with every birdie and bogey reshuffling the rankings.
McIlroy’s eagle
McIlroy’s eagle on the 13th hole further solidified his position as the frontrunner, increasing his win probability significantly. His stellar performance continued to impress as he maintained a substantial lead over his rivals.
DeChambeau’s resilience
DeChambeau’s determined play and unwavering focus on closing the gap between him and McIlroy showcased his competitive spirit. Despite facing a deficit, DeChambeau remained steadfast in his pursuit of victory.
The decisive putt
The conclusion of Round 3 saw DeChambeau sinking a crucial 48-foot putt to secure his spot in the final pairing with McIlroy. The stage is set for an exciting showdown between the two top contenders on Sunday.
The top contenders
Rory McIlroy (-12): McIlroy aims to clinch his first Masters victory and complete the career grand slam. With a significant lead heading into the final round, all eyes are on him to deliver a memorable performance.
Bryson DeChambeau (-10): Despite trailing McIlroy, DeChambeau remains a formidable opponent with his exceptional skills and determination. The battle between McIlroy and DeChambeau is set to captivate fans until the final putt drops.
Corey Conners (-8): Conners’ resilience and consistency have kept him in contention, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level. With a solid track record at Augusta, Conners is a dark horse in the race for the green jacket.
Patrick Reed (-6): The 2018 champion has quietly climbed up the leaderboard and remains a threat to the leaders. Reed’s experience and proficiency at Augusta make him a contender to watch on Sunday.
Ludig Åberg (-6): As a rising star in the golfing world, Åberg has the potential to make a significant impact at the Masters. With a runner-up finish last year, he is poised to challenge the leaders and make his mark on the tournament.
Scottie Scheffler’s struggles
Scheffler faced challenges in Round 3, struggling to gain momentum and make significant progress on the leaderboard. Despite his world ranking, Scheffler will need a remarkable performance on Sunday to rejoin the title race.
Final round win probability
As the final round approaches, McIlroy maintains a strong lead with a win probability of 66.4%, followed by DeChambeau at 22.3%. The stage is set for an exhilarating conclusion to the Masters tournament.
An unexpected twist
Jason Day’s unconventional decision to chip the ball instead of using his putter on the 16th green added a surprising element to Round 3. Despite the unexpected strategy, Day’s performance continued to intrigue and entertain spectators.