Rory McIlroy Makes Masters Charge, Trails Leader By 3 Shots
Rory McIlroy Makes Masters Charge, Trails Leader By 3 Shots...
Rory McIlroy surged into contention at the 2026 Masters Tournament on Saturday, firing a 5-under 67 to sit just three shots behind leader Scottie Scheffler entering the final round. The four-time major champion's performance at Augusta National has reignited his quest for the career Grand Slam, a feat only five players have achieved.
The 36-year-old Northern Irishman birdied four of his final seven holes to electrify the Georgia crowds. McIlroy last won a major in 2014 and needs a Masters victory to complete golf's most elite achievement. ESPN reports television ratings spiked 22% during his afternoon charge.
Scheffler, the world No. 1, maintained his steady play with a 69 to reach 12-under. But all eyes turned to McIlroy after his dramatic finish, including a 30-foot birdie putt on the iconic 16th hole. The moment trended nationally on Twitter with over 85,000 mentions.
Tiger Woods, playing alongside McIlroy, carded a 72 to fall out of contention. The gallery's energy clearly shifted toward McIlroy's late-round heroics. Golf Channel's Brandel Chamblee called it "the most compelling Rory has looked at Augusta in years."
Sunday's final pairing will feature Scheffler and rising star Ludvig Ã…berg at 2:40 PM ET. McIlroy tees off at 2:20 PM with Xander Schauffele. Weather forecasts predict ideal scoring conditions, setting up potential fireworks at the season's first major.
The Masters committee moved several tee times earlier due to expected afternoon thunderstorms. Tournament chairman Fred Ridley confirmed the changes would ensure a Sunday finish. CBS will broadcast the final round starting at 10 AM ET.
McIlroy's pursuit comes eight years after his last major victory at the 2014 PGA Championship. His previous best Masters finish was second place in 2022. A win would make him just the sixth player to complete the modern Grand Slam, joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
