History is within reach. Legacy is on the line. And Rory McIlroy is one round away from completing the career Grand Slam.
On a day when Augusta National showed its softer side, McIlroy electrified the patrons and shook the leaderboard with a masterful 7-under 65—his second consecutive round in the mid-60s—to take the solo lead at 12-under through 54 holes. It’s his second time leading after three rounds at the Masters, but this one feels different. This one feels destined.
Rory Makes History, Eyes Immortality
From the opening tee shot, McIlroy was in full command. He became the first player in Masters history to begin a round with six straight 3s on his scorecard, including an eagle at the par-5 second. He later added another eagle at the 15th, marking the first time he’s recorded two eagles in a single round at Augusta—and the first player to do so since 2020.
With rounds of 66-65, McIlroy joins an elite club of players with back-to-back rounds of 66 or better at the Masters: Jordan Spieth (2015), Tiger Woods (1997, 2005), Raymond Floyd (1976), and Johnny Miller (1975). He’s now the solo 54-hole leader in a major for the seventh time in his career and has converted four of the previous six into victories.
Should he seal the deal on Sunday, McIlroy would become just the sixth player in golf history to complete the career Grand Slam, joining Sarazen, Hogan, Player, Nicklaus, and Woods. It’s been 11 years since his last major title—tying the longest drought between major wins in history. But if Saturday was any indication, he’s ready to break that streak in unforgettable fashion.
Bryson, Conners, and the Chase
Trailing by two is Bryson DeChambeau, who stayed aggressive and carded a 69 to sit at 10-under heading into Sunday. If he can post one more round in the 60s, he’ll become only the second player in Masters history to shoot all four rounds in the 60s (Cameron Smith, 2020). DeChambeau also now holds the most rounds in the 60s at majors since the start of 2024 (11). His form is peaking at the right time.
Canada’s Corey Conners sits solo third at 8-under, aiming for his best finish ever in a major. Already a three-time Masters top-10 finisher, Conners is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Mike Weir (2003) as Canada’s second Masters champion.
Crowded Behind
A logjam at 6-under includes Patrick Reed and rising Swedish star Ludvig Åberg. Reed, the 2018 champion, showed grit to keep himself in contention, while Åberg continues his strong play at Augusta—five strokes better on the 15th hole alone this year compared to last.
Scottie Scheffler (-5), still in the mix, made a couple of late birdies to stay within shouting distance. Zach Johnson turned back the clock with a 66—his first round in the 60s at Augusta in ten years—moving into T10 alongside Colombia’s Nico Echavarria, the only debutant inside the top 10 heading into Sunday.
Sunday Storylines: All Eyes on Rory
There’s no shortage of drama lined up for Sunday. McIlroy could become just the third player to win the Masters and THE PLAYERS in the same season (Woods in 2001, Scheffler in 2024). He’s also positioned to become the third Masters winner to have at least two double bogeys during the tournament—both of his coming on Thursday.
But those early stumbles feel like ancient history now. After 17 starts at Augusta, McIlroy finally has the Grand Slam within reach—and this time, he’s not just surviving. He’s thriving
