McIlroy still in the hunt as Lowry closes in at Augusta

Sunday, 12 April 2026 10:25

By Mark Hanbidge

The final day of action will begin at 2.06pm (Irish time).

The Masters has taken another dramatic turn heading into the final round, with Rory McIlroy seeing his commanding lead slip but his title defence still very much alive.

After building a six-shot advantage at the halfway stage, McIlroy endured a more difficult third round, carding a one-over 71. Trouble around Augusta's notorious Amen Corner proved costly, with mistakes off the tee leaving him chasing rather than controlling the tournament. Despite that, he remains among the leaders and will play in the final group.

Speaking afterwards, McIlroy admitted the challenge of the course when momentum shifts, but remained composed, heading straight to the practice range to iron out issues ahead of the decisive round.

There was better news from an Irish perspective elsewhere, with Shane Lowry firmly in contention. A strong round of 69, highlighted by a hole-in-one at the sixth, has left him just two shots off the lead heading into Sunday.

Lowry describing himself as being "in a good place", acknowledging some nerves down the stretch but expressing satisfaction with his overall performance and position on the leaderboard.

The final round now sets up a compelling finish, with both McIlroy and Lowry still in the mix as the battle for the green jacket reaches its climax.