Defending Masters champion Rory McIlroy shot 73 in round three and skipped most media duties to practice, but he remains tied for the lead going into Sunday’s final round at Augusta
Rory McIlroy believes his experience will help him retain the Masters championship(Image: CBS)
Defending Masters champion Rory McIlroy delivered a candid assessment of his underwhelming performance during Saturday’s round, but remains determined to draw on last year’s experience to bounce back from a minor stumble.
McIlroy posted a 73 during Saturday’s penultimate round at Augusta, watching his commanding lead evaporate in the process. He now finds himself level with Cameron Young heading into the final round, and bypassed his scheduled media availability at the Masters press building to head straight to the range.
Nevertheless, following a nerve-wracking finish to last year’s tournament, McIlroy believes his recent championship experience will allow him to play with greater freedom on Sunday. Despite ducking out of his scheduled press conference, McIlroy didn’t hold back in sharing his honest thoughts following Saturday’s letdown.
With the championship seemingly within his grasp, McIlroy still has a shot at becoming only the fourth player in history to claim back-to-back Green Jackets. Both McIlroy and Young sit at 11 under heading into Sunday, though Young had trailed by seven strokes at the start of the third round.
CBS analyst and 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman described it as a “rollercoaster” watching McIlroy’s 18 holes unfold. When Amanda Balionis relayed that description to McIlroy before he headed to the range, he responded candidly.
“Yeah, I’m known to have those around this place. I just didn’t quite have it today,” McIlroy said. “Starting off with the bogey on 1, I’ve hit it a lot of times out of position the first two days and got away with it. Today, didn’t quite do that.
McIlroy is trying to go back-to-back at Augusta National(Image: Getty Images)
“I’m still tied for the lead, in the last group, have plenty of experience in that position, so I’m going to try and fall back on that. Go hit a few balls and try to find a little bit of rhythm before calling it a night.
“Obviously, not the position I wanted to be in starting the day, but I held it together and, as I said, still in the final group, still tied for the lead, and a lot of experience to fall back on.”
His iron play proved troublesome throughout the round, disrupting his flow on the course. Addressing his difficulties, he explained: “Body-stopping. I did have some lies where the ball was above my feet, that’s no excuse for the one I hit on 12, for example.
“Just need to hit a few balls on the range, neutralize the ball flight a little bit, and I’ll feel a bit better by tomorrow.”
Throughout Masters week, McIlroy has exuded confidence, insisting he’s composed and at ease after processing the emotions from last year’s breakthrough.
The Northern Irishman was visibly emotional after completing the Grand Slam and snapping an 11-year major championship dry spell.
The World No. 2 has been center stage since touching down at Augusta National, beaming as he reflected on his maiden champion’s experience and the perks that accompany it. McIlroy shares the lead with Young, holding a one-stroke advantage over Sam Burns and a two-shot cushion ahead of Shane Lowry.
Young carries the momentum heading into Sunday, though he’ll be grouped with McIlroy and has yet to capture a major championship. “Still an incredible chance to do something that very few people have done, but I need to go to the range right now and figure it out a bit,” McIlroy said.
Source: https://www.irishstar.com/sport/golf/rory-mcilroy-comes-face-face-37001632
