Rory McIlroy could become just the fourth man in the history of The Masters to defend his title on Sunday at Augusta.
The Northern Irishman enters the final round tied for the lead with Cam Young on -11 but a six shot advantage going into round three vanished on Saturday, with McIlroy grinding out a one-over par round of 73.
The 36-year-old has struggled with driving this week and those issues caught up with him Saturday – he hit the range after his round to try and solve the puzzle before the decisive final day.
One of the best known Masters traditions sees the past year’s champion present the new winner with their green jacket following the end of the tournament.
In McIlroy’s case, however, Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley would step in and present him with his second green jacket on Sunday evening if he emerges victorious.
Should he win on Sunday, McIlroy will join distinguished company once again in Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as the only players to have defended a Masters title. Nobody has ever won it three times in a row.
Rory McIlroy could become just the fourth man in the history of The Masters to defend his title
If he’s successful, Fred Ridley (right) will award McIlroy with another green jacket
McIlroy was bullish on his chances going into Sunday’s final round, despite his commanding six-shot lead vanishing.
‘I have to look at the positives, even though there aren’t that many to take today,’ he said. ‘I did bounce back. I hit some good shots coming in.
‘I’m in a great position. I just know I need to be better to have a chance.’
He continued: ‘The course was obviously gettable. There was a lot of good scores out there, and obviously the quality of the chasing pack is obvious. There was a lot of guys that shot good scores.’
McIlroy, who became the sixth man in the history of golf to complete the Grand Slam with last year’s Augusta victory, goes out on Sunday alongside Cam Young in the final group of the day.
Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose and Shane Lowry all feature in the chasing pack.
