Sports
Open Thread: April 12, 2026
Yahoo Sports
Masters predictions: Will Rory McIlroy, Cameron Young win green jacket?
TL;DR
Rory McIlroy shares the lead at the Masters Tournament after three rounds, aiming to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back titles. Cameron Young is tied with McIlroy and recently won The Players Championship.
Follow along with live updates of all the final-round action at the Masters Tournament.
Rory McIlroy has finished with a share of the lead through the first three days of the Masters Tournament. If he is able to hold on, he will be just the fourth back-to-back winner of the event.
McIlroy put together a strong start through the first two rounds but stumbled along on Saturday, April 11, to finish the third round in a tie with Cameron Young.
Young has managed to win this year, winning The Players Championship in March. He also captured the Wyndham Championship last August.
More: Check out the full leaderboard here.
Here’s how some predict the Masters to finish:
The weekend arrives with the leaderboard tightening and pressure rising at Augusta National.
These images follow Rory McIlroy as he begins Saturday in the hunt at the Masters.
Above, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland lines up a putt on the 14th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy tees off on the fourth hole during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the 11th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy walks up the first fairway during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Rory McIlroy misses a putt on the first green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the 11th tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks on the seventh green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the second hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the practice green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot at the tournament practice area during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy chips onto the fourth green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Rory McIlroy tees off on the first hole during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the first hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy walk down the first fairway during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the practice green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks on the second green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the third green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the third tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks at his ball on the second green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the seventh hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks to the eighth tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the 11th tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot from a bunker on the seventh hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Sam Burns of the United States walk the eighth fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland moves an obstruction out of the way on the 13th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland speaks to the rules official on the 13th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland asks patrons to move on the 13th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the 13th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland lines up a putt on the 15th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the 15th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Patrons watch as Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks the 16th fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 15th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland putts on the 12th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the 13th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the 12th tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 13th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks the 12th fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and his caddie Harry Diamond walks over the Hogan Bridge to the 12th hole green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the 14th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the 15th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
1 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
The weekend arrives with the leaderboard tightening and pressure rising at Augusta National.
These images follow Rory McIlroy as he begins Saturday in the hunt at the Masters.
Above, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland lines up a putt on the 14th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
1 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
The weekend arrives with the leaderboard tightening and pressure rising at Augusta National.
These images follow Rory McIlroy as he begins Saturday in the hunt at the Masters.
Above, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland lines up a putt on the 14th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
2 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy tees off on the fourth hole during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
3 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the 11th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
4 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy walks up the first fairway during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
5 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy misses a putt on the first green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
6 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the 11th tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
7 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks on the seventh green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
8 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the second hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
9 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the practice green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
10 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot at the tournament practice area during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
11 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy chips onto the fourth green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
12 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy tees off on the first hole during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
13 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the first hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
14 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy walk down the first fairway during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
15 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the practice green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
16 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks on the second green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
17 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the third green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
18 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the third tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
19 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks at his ball on the second green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
20 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the seventh hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
21 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks to the eighth tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
22 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the 11th tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
23 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot from a bunker on the seventh hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
24 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Sam Burns of the United States walk the eighth fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
25 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland moves an obstruction out of the way on the 13th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
26 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland speaks to the rules official on the 13th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
27 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland asks patrons to move on the 13th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
28 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the 13th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
29 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland lines up a putt on the 15th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
30 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the 15th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
31 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Patrons watch as Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks the 16th fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
32 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 15th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
33 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland putts on the 12th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia.
34 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the 13th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
35 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the 12th tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
36 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 13th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
37 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks the 12th fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
38 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and his caddie Harry Diamond walks over the Hogan Bridge to the 12th hole green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
39 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the 14th hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
40 / 40
Rory McIlroy let 6‑stroke Masters lead slip away still co‑leader
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the 15th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Action Network: Cameron Young outright winner
Tony Sartori writes: "Cameron Young is arguably the hottest golfer on the course entering Sunday. He tied Scottie Scheffler for the low round of the day with a 7-under 65, while co-leader Rory McIlroy trended in the opposite direction with a 1-over 73. At +250, it’s worth riding the hot hand.
"Greenside play is proving more important than ever, given the firmness of the course. It was already one of the most critical skill sets for success at Augusta National, and current conditions only amplify its importance."
CBS Sports: Cameron Young appears ready
Robby Kalland writes: "(Cameron Young) is finally blending a smart, patient approach with the raw talent that made him an immediate, budding star. He appears ready to finally hoist his first major championship as long as he brings the same mindset into Sunday as he utilized on Moving Day."
Cameron Young lines up a putt on the 18th green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Covers: Rory McIlroy finds his tee game
Neil Parker writes: "I’m expecting his best driving performance on Sunday, and the defending champ also ranks fifth in true strokes gained tee-to-green and ninth in putting. Playing in the final group is also an advantage. After McIlroy left Bryson DeChambeau in the dust last year, I expect him to pull away from Cameron Young and the rest of the field."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Masters predictions: Rory McIlroy, Cameron Young tied entering Sunday
Share this article
Q&A
What is Rory McIlroy's current standing in the Masters Tournament?
Rory McIlroy is currently tied for the lead after three rounds of the Masters Tournament.
How many players have won back-to-back Masters titles?
Only three players have won back-to-back Masters titles, making McIlroy's potential win significant.
What recent tournament did Cameron Young win?
Cameron Young recently won The Players Championship in March 2026.
When is the final round of the Masters Tournament scheduled?
The final round of the Masters Tournament is scheduled for April 12, 2026.
Related Articles
Sports
NFL Draft Profile: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Yahoo Sports
Sports
UNC credits Michael Malone for developing LeBron, CP3, Steph Curry and many more NBA stars
Yahoo Sports
Sports
Running Wild(cats) at Glacier Park Soccer Showcase
Yahoo Sports
Sports
Tiki Barber expects Dexter Lawrence to remain with New York Giants
Yahoo Sports
Sports
Sean Payton comments on Bo Nix's development going into Year 3
Yahoo Sports
More from Sports
View all →See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.