Augusta, Georgia — Rory McIlroy stands on the cusp of golfing immortality as he heads into the final round of the Masters with a two-shot lead, chasing the elusive green jacket that would complete his career grand slam.

For the first time since 2011, the Northern Irishman will sleep on the lead at Augusta National. A decade of near-misses, heartbreak, and lingering pressure has built to this moment — and McIlroy, now 35, appears ready to meet it head-on.

A Day of High Drama at Augusta

Saturday’s third round — often referred to as “moving day” — lived up to its billing and more. McIlroy produced back-to-back rounds of 66, surging to 12-under par and two shots clear of Bryson DeChambeau. Corey Conners trails by four shots.

The round had everything: dominance, vulnerability, and ultimately, redemption. McIlroy began in electrifying fashion, recording five consecutive threes — a first in Masters history — and added a sixth for good measure. After an eagle chip-in at the par-five 2nd, he claimed the outright lead at 2:53 p.m., transforming a seven-shot deficit into a two-shot advantage within 13 holes.

At one point, he led by four strokes. But Augusta has a way of testing even the strongest minds. A dropped shot at the 8th, followed by a three-putt on the 10th, saw his lead cut to just one. Playing partner Conners applied pressure with birdies at the 9th and 10th. The tension was palpable.

Yet McIlroy responded like a champion. A birdie on the 13th steadied his round, and a superb approach to the 15th set up a six-foot eagle putt, which he calmly converted. It was a statement. Once more, he was four clear.

DeChambeau and Others in Pursuit

DeChambeau, who famously edged out McIlroy at last year’s U.S. Open, remains in pursuit. His 69 was punctuated by a dramatic chip-in from 16 yards off the 18th green, keeping him within striking distance at 10 under par. The potential for a final-round showdown between the two adds an extra layer of narrative to what is already a gripping Masters.

Meanwhile, Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg continued to impress. The Ryder Cup rookie posted a 69 to move to six under, narrowly missing a birdie on the last that would have kept him in closer contention. “When Rory plays his best golf, it’s hard to catch him,” Åberg admitted. “There aren’t many players in the world who can.”

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler failed to gain ground with an even-par 72, while former Masters champion Patrick Reed climbed the leaderboard with a 69 to reach six under. Other notable names in the mix include Xander Schauffele, Zach Johnson, Jason Day, and Shane Lowry — all within shouting distance, but needing something special on Sunday.

Augusta’s Subplots

The round wasn’t without controversy. Min Woo Lee was assessed a one-stroke penalty after officials determined he caused his ball to move on the 13th fairway. Jordan Spieth, meanwhile, voiced frustrations about “mud balls” — an unwelcome topic for tournament organizers.

Augusta National announced a record $4.2 million prize for this year’s winner, though McIlroy, long past chasing financial accolades, is clearly focused on legacy.

He has admitted to sleepless nights before big moments — notably prior to his Players Championship victory at Sawgrass last month — and more tossing and turning surely awaits. But this time, it’s different. This time, he appears ready.

One Round from History

As the final day approaches, the storyline is irresistible: Rory McIlroy, one of modern golf’s most celebrated talents, stands 18 holes away from completing the career grand slam — a feat achieved by only five players in history.

The weight of expectation will be enormous. But on Saturday, McIlroy showed that he may finally have conquered Augusta’s ghosts. On Sunday, he’ll have a chance to bury them for good — and perhaps, at long last, slip into the green jacket that has long eluded him.