The Masters Tournament is poised for an epic final day, with a dozen golfers within striking distance of the lead. Despite challenging conditions, Scottie Scheffler sits atop the leaderboard after a rollercoaster third round at Augusta National.
Scheffler’s Bumpy Ride
Scheffler, the pre-tournament favorite, briefly surrendered his lead after a double-bogey on the 10th and a bogey on the 11th hole. However, he rebounded with an eagle on the 13th, the only one of the day, to regain a share of the top spot. He finished his round with a par-birdie-par-birdie stretch, giving him a one-shot lead going into the final 18.
Historic Potential
If Scheffler can hold on to his lead, he will become the first golfer to successfully defend his Masters title since Bubba Watson in 2014. Only a handful of players have achieved this feat within a three-year span, including Watson and Jon Rahm, who Scheffler handed the green jacket to last year.
Tightly Packed Contenders
Chasing Scheffler closely are Tony Finau, Chris Kirk, and Collin Morikawa, who all broke 70 on Saturday. Morikawa’s sizzling start with three consecutive birdies has put him right in contention. Max Homa, making his Masters debut, provided a steady performance with just one bogey on the day.
DeChambeau’s Redemption
Bryson DeChambeau, who led the first round, hit a roadblock on the 15th hole with a double-bogey. However, he redeemed himself with a 77-yard eagle putt on the 18th, putting him four shots off the pace. It is notable that this is DeChambeau’s first time playing 72 consecutive professional holes since last year’s Open Championship.
Swede Surprises
Ludvig Aberg, a Masters rookie, has surprised with his performance, shooting a two-under 70 despite bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes. He sits just three shots behind the leader and will be hoping for a strong final round.
Green Jacket Up for Grabs
Despite Scheffler’s lead, the battle for the green jacket remains wide open. With conditions remaining challenging, any of the contenders can make a move on Moving Day. The final 18 holes promise to provide an unforgettable spectacle as the best golfers in the world vie for the most prestigious title in golf.
