McIlroy Dominates Masters Third Round, Hunted by DeChambeau – A Grand Slam Pursuit

Rory McIlroy is on the cusp of Masters history, seizing control of the leaderboard after a breathtaking third round of 66 at Augusta National. The Northern Irishman’s performance – highlighted by a record-breaking opening sequence of six consecutive birdies – has propelled him two shots ahead of Bryson DeChambeau, igniting a thrilling final-day showdown with the current US Open champion.

McIlroy’s remarkable round, punctuated by two eagles, marks a significant step towards adding a fifth Major Championship to his illustrious career.

A Round of Pure Brilliance

The 35-year-old delivered a performance that captivated the galleries, beginning with an astonishing run of six successive 3s. This blistering start set the tone for a round of exceptional golf. McIlroy’s two eagles – one on the second and another on the fifteenth – showcased his raw power and precision, earning him a dominant 12-under-par 204 total.

“I’m quite a sort of momentum player. There is a balance, though. You know, you have to sort of try to ride that momentum as much as you can but then also temper it with a little bit of, you know, rationale and logic. And so it’s a fine dance. But I certainly don’t want to be a robot out there, but at the same time I don’t want to be too animated, either,”

– Rory McIlroy

DeChambeau’s Challenge

Bryson DeChambeau, who defeated McIlroy at last year’s US Open, mounted a late charge with a stellar 69 to remain firmly in contention. The long-hitting American is just two shots behind McIlroy, setting the stage for a tense and captivating finale.

Lowry’s Disappointment

Unfortunately, fellow Northern Irishman Shane Lowry experienced a sobering end to his round, carding a bogey-bogey finish for a 72 and dropping to tied-sixth. He sits seven shots off the lead.

A Chase for History

McIlroy’s quest for the career Grand Slam – an accomplishment shared by only five golfers in history (Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods) – continues here at Augusta. For McIlroy, this year’s Masters represents more than just a tournament; it’s a culmination of years of striving towards golfing immortality.

“This time, more than ever, it is in his own hands; this time, he can control his own destiny, even if DeChambeau – his tormentor in chief at the US Open in Pinehurst last June – is the man again in his sights.”

Key Stats

• Rory McIlroy: 66 (12-under par)
• Bryson DeChambeau: 69 (8-under par)
• Justin Rose: 75 (1-under par)
• Corey Conners: 68 (6-under par)

FAQ

• What is the leaderboard looking like? McIlroy leads DeChambeau by two shots.
• When did McIlroy last win a major? His last major victory was at the 2014 US PGA Championship.
• How many golfers are still in contention? There are 8 golfers within five shots of the lead (with Lowry amongst them)

Did you know? Rory McIlroy swapped his usual non-fiction reading material for a novel by John Grisham, titled “The Reckoning,” ahead of the tournament.

Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on McIlroy’s mental game this final round – his ability to manage momentum will be crucial.

Call to Action: Share your predictions for the final round on social media using #MastersTournament!