Rory McIlroy's Masters Lead Slips After Amen Corner Struggles at Augusta
The world number two golfer, Rory McIlroy, saw his substantial Masters tournament advantage dramatically reduced following a disastrous stretch at Augusta National's infamous Amen Corner on Saturday. The Northern Irishman, who began the day with a six-shot lead, finished level with American Cameron Young at 11 under par after a damaging one-over 73 round.
Costly Collapse at Amen Corner
Amen Corner claimed its most significant victim of the week during a brutal 45-minute period that cost McIlroy three crucial shots and his tournament control. Entering the notoriously tricky stretch clinging to top spot with his overnight lead halved to three shots, McIlroy exited Amen Corner trailing Young by one stroke after playing the treacherous holes double bogey-bogey-par.
The defending champion's troubles stemmed from an erratic driving display compounded by the sudden desertion of his typically reliable iron play. This technical breakdown occurred precisely when McIlroy needed to withstand mounting pressure from challengers Patrick Reed, Haotong Li, and ultimately Cameron Young.
Young's Remarkable Recovery
Cameron Young, who won the Players Championship just a month earlier, staged an extraordinary comeback to reach the tournament summit. The American had been four over par after seven holes of the tournament and began Saturday eight shots off the lead. Despite bogeying the 15th after hitting into water, Young carded a Masters-best seven-under 65 to claim the top position.
"I don't get the sense I'll be the fan favourite but some fans that cheer for me have gotten louder over the last year," Young commented about his final-round pairing with McIlroy. "It will still be lopsided, I think. Rory's kind of a world favourite in the golf world."
McIlroy's Rollercoaster Round
McIlroy had been managing to hang on through the front nine, reaching the turn level par for his round after a bogey at the first was cancelled out by driving the 350-yard third hole for birdie. A brilliant wedge to six feet for birdie at the 10th extended his lead back to two shots at 13 under, appearing to provide crucial momentum.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically against him. From the middle of the 11th fairway, McIlroy turned a seven-iron into the pond and subsequently missed a six-foot bogey putt. He then missed the green at the short 12th while Young birdied the par-three 16th to take a one-shot lead.
Further troubles followed with another drive into trees and a missed green at the 13th, preventing McIlroy from capitalizing on the par five. He did bounce back with a 19-foot birdie putt at the 14th and almost holed an eagle attempt at the 15th to return to 12 under, but another trip into Georgia pines on the 17th resulted in yet another bogey.
Notable Performances from Contenders
McIlroy's good friend Shane Lowry ignited his round by becoming the first player to register two Masters holes-in-one. The Irishman aced the 190-yard sixth hole, having recorded his first at the 16th during the final round of 2016. Lowry finished nine under par after a Masters career-low 65 that threatened to equal the course record at one stage.
Two-time champion Scottie Scheffler also posted an impressive 65, covering the front nine in 31 after eagling the second and reaching the turn with three successive birdies. "It definitely could have been lower but I did what I needed to do. More of that tomorrow and I think I'll be in a good spot," Scheffler remarked, though he may yet rue Friday's two-over 74.
Justin Rose, who lost last year's playoff to McIlroy, shot a solid 69 to sit just three shots behind on eight under par, keeping himself within striking distance of the leaders.
