Masters 2025: Rory McIlroy leads Bryson DeChambeau by two after three rounds at Augusta National

Rory McIlroy moved closer to finally winning the Masters with a commanding third-round performance which leaves him two shots clear going into Sunday’s finale.

The 35-year-old from Northern Ireland carded a six-under 66 – featuring two eagles – to head a superstar-stacked leaderboard with a score of 12 under after 54 holes.

However, the complexion of the final day changed when Bryson DeChambeau narrowed the gap with three birdies in his final four holes – including a 50-foot putt from the fringe of the 18th green.

The American maverick set up a tantalising Sunday with a three-under 69 to close on 10 under.

McIlroy has already landed four majors – the last in 2014 – but has fallen short at Augusta National on several occasions.

The most infamous instance came in 2011. Then, aged 21, he blew a four-shot lead on a haunting final day and finished in a tie for 15th.

Now, after a display which showed his ever-increasing maturity, the world number two holds another golden opportunity to become only the sixth man to complete the career Grand Slam.

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.

English veteran Justin Rose, who lead at the halfway stage, dropped off the pace with a three-over 75 which left him five under.

The former world number one is alongside defending champion Scottie Scheffler, Ireland’s 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry and Australia’s Jason Day.

More to follow.