However, America’s Bryson DeChambeau is hot on his heels. DeChambeau birdied three of the last four holes – including a 50-foot putt from the fringe of the 18th green – for a three-under 69 and a 10-under total of 206.  McIlroy also led at the previous Masters with four holes remaining, but bogeys in three of those meant DeChambeau snatched the green jacket from under his nose.

McIlroy has already won four majors – the US Open, The Open and two US PGA Championships, the last of which was in 2014 – but has fallen short at the Augusta National on several occasions.

If Rory McIlroy captures the Green Jacket on Sunday, he’ll join an elite group of five golfers who can claim the career grand slam. Jay Coffin shares more. #themasters https://t.co/lW8lbsMO6C

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 13, 2025

Canada's Corey Conners is eight under after a 70, while 2018 champion Patrick Reed and last year's runner-up Ludvig Aberg are six under.

England’s Justin Rose, who led at the halfway stage, is five under after a 75. The former world number one is alongside defending champion Scottie Scheffler, Ireland’s 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry and Australia’s Jason Day.

Going into the fourth and final day, South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel is still two-over for a total of 218. He played 72 in the first and second round and ended the third day on 74.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger cg