Augusta, Georgia – Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy has surged into the outright lead of the 2025 US Masters after a spectacular third round, while Australian Jason Day remains in the hunt heading into the final round at Augusta National.
McIlroy electrified the galleries with a sublime six-under-par 66, featuring two eagles, to vault to 12-under overall and claim a two-shot lead over American Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy’s Masterclass on ‘Moving Day’
Traditionally known as “moving day,” the third round of the Masters is often where contenders separate from the field, and McIlroy did exactly that. The Northern Irishman showcased his full array of shot-making skills, including two eagles that sent the Augusta crowd into a frenzy.
The round marked a continuation of McIlroy’s bounce-back performance, after an opening round riddled with two double bogeys had threatened to derail his chances. Since then, rounds of 66 on both Friday and Saturday have put him in prime position to secure his long-awaited Green Jacket.
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“It’s about staying in the moment and taking every shot as it comes,” McIlroy said post-round. “There’s a lot of history at this place, and I’ve had my share of heartbreak, but I feel ready to embrace it.”
Victory would make McIlroy just the sixth man in history to complete the career Grand Slam, joining the elite company of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen.
Jason Day Keeps Hope Alive
Australia’s Jason Day also put together a steady performance on Saturday morning (AEST), carding a one-under-par round to reach five-under for the tournament.
The Queenslander thrilled fans with a chip-in birdie on the 14th hole—one of three birdies in his round—but bogeys on the 12th and 17th halted his momentum and left him seven shots behind McIlroy.
Despite the deficit, Day remains within striking distance on a course where Sunday drama is often guaranteed.
“Augusta is all about staying patient and giving yourself chances,” Day said. “That chip-in gave me a boost and I feel like I’ve got a few more birdies in me.”
Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner, is seeking his first Masters title and a long-awaited return to major glory after a string of injury-plagued seasons.
DeChambeau Lurks as Final Pairing Looms Large
Bryson DeChambeau will join McIlroy in Sunday’s final pairing, thanks to a clutch birdie putt from the fringe on the 18th hole. His third-round 68 brought him to 10-under, and he will tee off two shots back.
History favors the final group at Augusta: the past eight Masters champions have emerged from the final pairing.
“This is where you want to be on Sunday at the Masters—hunting for that green jacket with the crowd buzzing,” said DeChambeau, who is also seeking his first Masters title.
Min Woo Lee Penalised in Frustrating Third Round
While McIlroy and Day surged, fellow Australian Min Woo Lee endured a challenging round marred by controversy. Lee was assessed a one-stroke penalty on the 13th hole after officials ruled his ball had moved following address—an infraction he accepted, though not without frustration.
“I took the penalty on the chin, but it definitely disrupted my rhythm,” Lee said. “We were also put on the clock for slow play, which didn’t help.”
Lee’s group had been given a 20-minute gap from the group ahead, which he said contributed to the perception of slow play. Despite a promising start, including a birdie on the third and a near-eagle on the fifth, Lee finished with a five-over-par 77, dropping to four-over for the tournament.
“It’s a tough pill to swallow,” said the 25-year-old, who recently claimed his first PGA Tour title. “But I’ll learn from it and go out tomorrow looking to finish strong.”
Tension Builds for Historic Final Round
With a glittering leaderboard that includes past major winners and in-form challengers, anticipation is mounting for a classic Masters finale.
Crowds at Augusta have been vocal in their support of McIlroy, whose history at the Masters includes both brilliance and heartbreak. Having come close on several occasions—most notably in 2011, when he led heading into the final round before collapsing—McIlroy now has another golden opportunity to complete his Grand Slam.
DeChambeau, known for his analytical approach and prodigious driving, remains a potent threat, while Jason Day will aim to go low and apply pressure from the second-to-last group.
Final Round Outlook
- Rory McIlroy: 12-under (66 in round three)
- Bryson DeChambeau: 10-under (68)
- Jason Day: 5-under (71)
- Other notables: Hideki Matsuyama (-6), Xander Schauffele (-5), Scottie Scheffler (-4)
Min Woo Lee, though out of contention, will look to gain momentum and experience heading into the next major.
Sunday’s tee times and coverage
The final round will commence Monday morning AEST, with McIlroy and DeChambeau teeing off last in what promises to be a captivating battle for the green jacket.
The stage is set. Augusta’s azaleas are in bloom, the tension is palpable, and the world will be watching to see whether Rory McIlroy can finally conquer Augusta National—or whether another contender will rise and steal the spotlight.
