By The Capital Sports Report Wire Service
Rory McIlroy’s Saturday at Augusta National was nothing short of electric—a round that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling Moving Days in Masters history. As the 2025 Masters Tournament entered its pivotal third round, the leaderboard was crowded with major champions and rising stars, but by sunset, it was McIlroy who had seized control, surging to a two-shot lead with a dazzling 6-under-par 66. The drama, the roars, and the relentless pursuit of the green jacket all converged in a day that set the stage for a Sunday showdown of epic proportions.
A Historic Start: McIlroy’s Six Straight Threes
Rory McIlroy, chasing the career Grand Slam and his first Masters title, began his third round with a performance that sent shockwaves through Augusta. For the first time in tournament history, he opened with six consecutive threes on his scorecard—birdie, eagle, birdie, birdie, birdie, birdie—catapulting him into the solo lead and electrifying the galleries.
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On the par-5 second, McIlroy’s approach left him a makeable eagle putt, which he calmly rolled in. He followed with a birdie on the third and then, with the crowd swelling in anticipation, added three more birdies in a row. By the time he walked off the sixth green, McIlroy was 6-under for the round and 12-under for the tournament, his name alone atop the leaderboard.
“I had a hop in my step out there,” McIlroy said, grinning in the press tent. “It felt like every shot was exactly how I pictured it. Augusta has a way of bringing out your best—and your nerves. Today, I just let myself go and played with freedom.”
The Roars Return: Augusta’s Energy Unleashed
The patrons starved for a McIlroy charge at Augusta, responded in kind. Each birdie was met with swelling applause, and the eagle on No. 2 triggered a wave of excitement that rippled through the pines. The atmosphere was reminiscent of the great Masters Saturdays of the past—Jack Nicklaus in ’86, Tiger Woods in 2019—when the course seemed to vibrate with possibility.
Rich Lerner of Golf Channel captured the mood: “If he does finish it off, today will go down as one of the best third rounds in Masters history.”
Bryson DeChambeau: Relentless in Pursuit
While McIlroy was lighting up the front nine, Bryson DeChambeau quietly went about his business, refusing to let the leader get too far ahead. DeChambeau started his round with a birdie and, despite a few missed opportunities, finished strong, birdieing two of his last three holes for a 3-under 69.
DeChambeau’s power was on full display, but it was his touch around the greens that kept him in contention. On the par-5 15th, he nearly holed his chip for eagle, settling for a tap-in birdie. He closed with a clutch birdie on 18, narrowing McIlroy’s lead to just two shots heading into Sunday.
“I’m right where I want to be,” DeChambeau said. “Rory played some incredible golf, but I’m not going anywhere. Augusta rewards patience and aggression in equal measure. I’ll bring both tomorrow.”
Paul McGinley noted on Golf Channel:
“While he may not match Rory’s golfing skills, he compensates in other areas. This individual possesses one of the most remarkable competitive spirits I have ever witnessed.”
Corey Conners: Steady as She Goes
Canada’s Corey Conners continued his impressive Masters run, carding a 2-under 70 to sit alone in third at 8-under for the tournament. Conners was steady if unspectacular, making birdies on the second and thirteenth holes and limiting mistakes on a day when Augusta’s greens demanded precision.
“You can’t get ahead of yourself out here,” Conners said. “I just tried to stay patient and give myself chances. I’m right where I need to be.”
Leaderboard After 54 Holes
Position Player R1 R2 R3 Total To Par
1 Rory McIlroy 72 66 66 204 -12
2 Bryson DeChambeau 69 68 69 206 -10
3 Corey Conners 68 70 70 208 -8
T4 Ludvig Åberg 68 73 69 210 -6
T4 Patrick Reed 71 70 69 210 -6
T4 Justin Rose 65 71 75 211 -5
T4 Scottie Scheffler 68 71 72 211 -5
T4 Shane Lowry 71 68 72 211 -5
T4 Jason Day 70 70 71 211 -5
Justin Rose: From Leader to Chaser
After leading for the first two rounds, Justin Rose struggled on Saturday, carding a 3-over 75. His round unraveled with a double bogey on the par-3 12th and bogeys on 14 and 17. Despite the setback, Rose remains in the mix at 5-under, tied for fourth.
“It was a grind out there,” Rose admitted. “I just couldn’t get anything going. But I’m still in it. Augusta is full of surprises.”
Ludvig Åberg and Patrick Reed: Charging Up the Board
Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg and 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed both posted 3-under 69s to move into a tie for fourth at 6-under. Åberg’s round was highlighted by a string of birdies on the back nine, while Reed’s trademark short game kept him in red figures.
Best Moments and Key Shots
McIlroy’s eagle on 2: After a monster drive, McIlroy hit a towering iron to within 10 feet and rolled in the eagle putt, igniting the crowd.
Six straight threes: McIlroy’s unprecedented start set a new Masters record and established him as the man to beat.
DeChambeau’s closing birdies: Bryson’s late charge ensured he would be in the final pairing, setting up a dramatic Sunday.
Rose’s struggles: The former leader’s stumble on Amen Corner was a reminder of Augusta’s unforgiving nature.
Quotes from the Leaders
Rory McIlroy: “I felt like I was in the zone from the first tee. I’ve been working hard on my game, and to see it come together here at Augusta is special. There’s still a lot of golf to play, but I’m excited for the challenge.”
Bryson DeChambeau: “I love this place. The energy, the history—it brings out the best in me. I’m going to go out there tomorrow and give it everything I’ve got.”
Corey Conners: “You have to respect every hole out here. I’m just going to keep my head down and try to post another good number.”
Rich Lerner, Golf Channel: “If he wraps this up, today will be recorded as one of the greatest third rounds in the history of the Masters.”
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The Stakes: History, Legacy, and the Green Jacket
The 2025 Masters boasts the largest purse in tournament history—$21 million, with $4.2 million to the winner. But for McIlroy, DeChambeau, and the rest, the green jacket means more than money. For McIlroy, it’s the missing piece of his career Grand Slam. For DeChambeau, it’s the validation of his unconventional approach. For Conners, Åberg, and others, it’s a chance to etch their names in golf lore.
Brandel Chamblee put it best:
“The notion that The Masters begins only on the back nine on Sunday is likely being reconsidered. This tournament is not merely meeting expectations; it is surpassing them.”
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