At Augusta National, Rory McIlroy's quest for another green jacket hit twists and turns, letting Cameron Young join him at the top. McIlroy stumbled to a 1-over 73 despite the day's overall low scoring, and his driving accuracy posed challenges.
Cameron Young started eight shots back, delivering a 65, overcoming a water hazard setback at the 15th with a stunning birdie on the 16th. After major hurdles in "The Amen Corner", involving double bogey-bogey on 11 and 12, McIlroy regained his footing with a clutch birdie on the 14th.
“Didn't quite have it today,” McIlroy admitted but remained optimistic, noting multiple contenders are in the hunt.
Sam Burns carded bogey-free 68, and Shane Lowry's hole-in-one helped him stay two shots behind. World number one Scottie Scheffler surged with a 65, now just four back.
After Young joined McIlroy for the lead, reminiscences of Jack Nicklaus's comeback in 1975 fluttered. As former champions and skilled newbies line up within striking distance, Sunday's final round promises high drama and potential history.