Rory McIlroy’s lead makes history again at Masters tournament

Golf’s greatest event is unfolding this weekend in Augusta. The Masters Tournament stands as one of the premier spectacles in all of sports.

Not only is it among the hardest tickets to obtain, it is also one of the most exclusive tournaments to enter. The world’s finest golfers must earn their place in this truly elite competition.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy began the day with a commanding six-stroke lead over the field. Now, that historic advantage is in jeopardy.

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After building a six-stroke lead through 36 holes, McIlroy finds himself tied after 54. It marks the second-largest collapse in Masters history.

Still time to turn it around

The largest comeback came in 1956, when Jack Burke Jr. erased an eight-stroke deficit to win in some of the most difficult conditions ever seen at Augusta.

With 18 holes remaining, the tournament is wide open. Cameron Young surged into contention with a brilliant seven-under-par round, pulling even with McIlroy at 11-under. Sam Burns sits just behind at 10-under, while Shane Lowry follows at nine-under. The competition could very well come down to the final hole among these four contenders.

History hangs in the balance. Three of the top four players have never won the Masters and now stand in prime position to claim the green jacket.

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McIlroy remains the only player among them with a Masters title — and he has more history within reach.

Apr 13, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy holds the Masters championship trophy during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

With a victory tomorrow, McIlroy would become just the fourth player in Masters history to win back-to-back titles, a feat not accomplished in over two decades.

The final round is set to begin with tee times starting around 9:30 a.m. Will McIlroy rebound to secure another green jacket, or will a new champion emerge at Augusta?