Rory McIlroy leads Masters as he eyes career Grand Slam

McIlroy holds two-shot lead at Augusta, chasing long-awaited green jacket and golf immortality.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates his birdie on the No. 13 green during the third round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Photo by Logan Whitton/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Rory McIlroy leads the Masters as he enters the final round with a two-shot advantage, placing him on the brink of achieving one of golf’s rarest feats — the career Grand Slam. The 35-year-old Northern Irishman carded a second consecutive six-under-par 66 at Augusta National on Saturday, putting himself in prime position to win his first green jacket and end a ten-year drought since his last major victory.

Rory McIlroy leads the Masters captures the moment's intensity. McIlroy’s rise to the top of the leaderboard, ahead of reigning US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, has reignited excitement among fans and brought renewed attention to his pursuit of golf history. A win at Augusta would make him only the sixth man to complete the Grand Slam, joining legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Gary Player, Gene Sarazen, and Ben Hogan.

McIlroy in control but cautious at Augusta

Despite his commanding position, McIlroy remained grounded during post-round interviews. He reflected on the mental strength required to navigate Augusta on Sunday, referencing past failures as learning experiences.

"I think I still have to remind myself that there's a long way to go," McIlroy said. "I, just as much as anyone else, know what can happen on the final day here."

His remarks underscored his maturity and self-awareness — traits he has honed since his collapse at the 2011 Masters, when he held the 54-hole lead only to crumble with a final-round 80. That moment has long haunted him, but this year, McIlroy insists he’s better prepared, both mentally and technically.

"I've got a lot of experience. I came in here talking about being the most complete version of myself as a golfer," he said. "No matter what situation I find myself in tomorrow, I'll be able to handle it."

Electrifying shotmaking ignites Augusta crowds

McIlroy’s third round was electric from the very start. A 54-foot eagle chip-in at the par-five second set the tone, and he followed it with three birdies in the first five holes. Then came what many called “the shot of the day” — a towering 205-yard approach that landed just six feet from the cup at the par-five 15th, setting up another eagle.

Roars from the galleries echoed through the Georgia pines, a sign of both admiration and anticipation.

"It's a pleasure to play in front of them and to have that atmosphere and that support," McIlroy said of the crowd. "Tomorrow in that final group it's going to be a little rowdy and a little loud. I'm just going to have to settle in, stay in my bubble, and approach the day with the same mindset I've had all week."

Haunted by 2011 but driven by hunger

The memory of 2011 still lingers. That Sunday meltdown is the only blemish on McIlroy’s otherwise strong record when leading after 54 holes in majors. He has held the lead five times and won four of them — with Augusta being the lone exception.

Adding another layer of intrigue, McIlroy’s final-round playing partner will be Bryson DeChambeau — the very man who denied him the US Open last year. McIlroy had bogeyed three of his final four holes at Pinehurst, handing DeChambeau a one-shot victory.

This time, McIlroy is embracing the challenge.

"I'm not going to shy away from it," he said. "Situations like tomorrow are the reason I get up and work hard. If I didn’t want these moments, I wouldn’t do all the work that I do."

Winning the Masters would not only end a decade-long major drought for McIlroy but also cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats. Completing the career Grand Slam is a feat reserved for golf royalty — a benchmark that eluded even greats like Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson.

McIlroy admitted that he doesn’t remember how he spent the night before his 2011 collapse, saying, “I'm glad I have a short memory.” But this year, he's determined to create a new memory — one that ends with him donning the green jacket on Augusta’s fabled 18th green.

Sunday pressure and personal redemption

Few tournaments carry the same emotional weight as the Masters. For McIlroy, Sunday will be more than just a shot at a title — it will be a moment of personal redemption. The ghosts of Augusta past still linger, but his tone suggests that he is ready to face them.

Throughout the week, McIlroy has displayed a calm demeanor and a sharpened focus. Gone is the inconsistency that has often plagued him in recent years. In its place is a confident and determined golfer, one who knows he has the skills and experience to win.

And this time, he’s not alone. The crowds at Augusta are behind him, willing him to succeed.

18 holes to history

Sunday's final round will test everything McIlroy has worked toward — not just his physical game, but his mental resilience. The Masters has a way of exposing flaws and rewarding composure. With a two-shot lead and momentum on his side, McIlroy must now do what he's failed to do at Augusta before: close the deal.

The final round promises to be a battle of nerves, shotmaking, and mental toughness. As McIlroy walks to the first tee, millions around the world will be watching. Will this be the moment that finally completes his Grand Slam? Or will Augusta’s tricky back nine write another cruel chapter in his story?

Whatever happens, Rory McIlroy has already shown he's ready. And if he can maintain the poise and precision he’s displayed through three rounds, Sunday could mark the crowning moment of a legendary career.