Masters 2026: Rory McIlroy’s Augusta stumble opens door for Sunday shootout in Georgia

The Masters looks set to deliver an enthralling conclusion after a third-round stumble by defending champion Rory McIlroy opened the door to a star-studded chasing pack at Augusta National.

Everywhere you look there are intriguing stories to be told.

Will world number one Scottie Scheffler complete a remarkable weekend and set a new record of coming from 12 shots back after two rounds to win a third title in five years? Will Justin Rose finally get over the line at his 21st attempt after three runners-up finishes?

Will Shane Lowry and Jason Day add to their solitary major triumphs?

Or will Cameron Young, who is tied with McIlroy for the lead on 11 under, follow in the footsteps of the five-time major winner and Scheffler and make it a hat-trick of players to complete the Players Championship-Masters double, while breaking his major duck?

There are others who have legitimate shouts of claiming a first major title.

Sam Burns is one off the pace, Li Haotong is four back. And you can look as far down the leaderboard as Patrick Cantlay given an out-of-sorts McIlroy let slip a record six-shot halfway lead during a dramatic Saturday at Augusta National.

Sunday promises to be a captivating shootout.

“I’m still tied for the best score, so I can’t forget that, but I do know I’m going to have to be better if I want to have a chance to win,” said McIlroy who struggled with all aspects of his game on Saturday.

“I’d like to think that I’ll play a little bit freer [on Sunday] and I’ll play like I’ve already got a Green Jacket.”