Masters 2026: Masters 2026: Rory McIlroy faces history or heartbreak on Sunday at Augusta

Rory McIlroy reacts after a tee shot on the 12th hole during the third round of the Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) ASSOCIATED PRESS AUGUSTA, Ga. — Admit it: You thought the Masters was over Friday night.

Maybe somewhere in that tortured golf brain of his, Rory McIlroy did, too. On Saturday, Augusta National set the record straight. Even for a defending champion who thought he had started to figure this place out, there are no free rides to a green jacket.

Now if McIlroy is going to win his sixth major championship and become just the fourth player to go back-to-back at the Masters, it will be a both-hands-on-the-wheel experience with black ice, broken windshield wipers and a busted tail light. Just as it should be. For McIlroy, a six-stroke lead with 36 holes to go was either going to produce history or infamy.

Now, after a shaky 1-over 73 on Saturday has reversed him back into a tie with Cameron Young heading into the final round — with nine more players within five of the lead — we’ll find out which one it is Sunday evening. Did you think this one would be different? C’mon now, this is Rory McIlroy we’re talking about.