Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, transformed his Masters campaign with a stunning third-round 65, his lowest score ever at Augusta National. After even-par totals of 70 and 74 left him 12 strokes behind the leader entering the weekend, Scheffler unleashed five birdies and an eagle to vault into contention.
Inspiration from McIlroy Sparks Fire
Earlier Friday, Scheffler found motivation while watching Rory McIlroy dominate on TVs in the players’ facility. ‘It was pretty special stuff,’ Scheffler later reflected. With nothing to lose and 36 holes remaining, the tournament simplified: he needed birdies, and he delivered.
‘I think that’s what great players do,’ Scheffler said. ‘They rise to the occasion when you are at the biggest tournaments, and you’d be hard pressed to find another tournament that’s bigger than this one, especially for me.’
Precision Irons Propel Front-Nine Surge
Momentum ignited at the downhill par-5 second, where Scheffler’s approach threaded the green’s heart, setting up a six-foot eagle putt. Augusta National’s second-shot demands suited his form perfectly. He stuck his seventh-hole approach to six feet, the eighth to 14 feet, and the ninth to four feet, reaching five under through nine.
Crowds swelled around him, his name flashing on leaderboards. Spectators poured in from across the grounds, packing 20 deep by Amen Corner.
Clutch Shots Amid Amen Corner Pressure
At the 11th, from 200 yards, Scheffler curled an iron around the bank to eight feet, drawing massive roars. Progress paused at the 13th after a tee shot to the dogleg’s corner, but a mud ball led to a bunker mishap. He scrambled for par.
One more birdie followed at the 16th, with short putts missed at 14 (12 feet) and 17 (six feet). A record round slipped away by inches.
Post-Round Confidence Despite Near-Misses
Dismissing suggestions of an even lower score as a ‘terrible question,’ Scheffler quickly added, ‘It definitely could have been lower. But I did what I needed to do. Went out and executed to give myself some opportunities.’
‘I hit it really nice today. I felt like I was very sharp with the irons. Got it up there. Gave myself a lot of opportunities. I felt like I took advantage of those on the front nine, and then back nine I did a lot of good things. I was really, really close to seeing a lot go in. More of that tomorrow, and I think I’ll be in a good spot.’
Now four shots back, Scheffler noted McIlroy’s Amen Corner struggles Saturday. ‘I think that’s why it’s such a great test,’ he said. ‘Not only do you have to conquer this golf course, you have to conquer changing conditions, and you also have to conquer your nerves to get it done around here. There’s numerous challenges to get it done in this tournament, and we’ll see what happens as the weekend progresses.’
