The top of the scoreboard at the 2026 Masters Tournament is significantly more crowded heading into the final round on Sunday, April 12. But despite losing his historic Masters lead, Rory McIlroy said he’s still “comfortable.”
Some fans may argue he’s a bit too comfortable.
“I’d like to think that I’ll play a little bit freer and I’ll play like I’ve already got a green jacket, which I do,” said the reigning Masters champion after the third round on Saturday, April 11. “Sometimes I maybe just have to remind myself of that.”
He continued, “I think, as well, that the stakes in terms of the pairing will be just a little bit easier, and the atmosphere out there will be a little bit easier. So, yeah, I’m not worried about that at all. I wish I was a few shots better off, but I’m comfortable. I played with Cam [Young] the first two days, playing with him again [Sunday] and I think it’s a comfortable group for both of us.”
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McIlroy’s comments rubbed a few golf fans the wrong way, with some commenting on social media.
“This statement from Rory McIlroy after blowing a historic 6-shot lead, comes across as wildly arrogant & has a mentality of ‘one Masters championship is enough for me,’” said one user on X. “Tiger Woods would never answer a question like this.”
“There’s just no way anyone actually likes this guy,” commented another.
Other users came to McIlroy’s defense, arguing that the pro golfer’s comments were misinterpreted.
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“Such an insane way to interpret this. A dude who had ‘Career Grand Slam’ pressure for a decade +,” commented one user via X. “God forbid he’s tied going into Sunday for another green jacket, let alone potentially being 1 of 3 to ever win back-to-back… FEELING AND PLAYING FREE. I shouldn’t fall for your rage bait but oh well. Don’t misinterpret a quote from an all-time great.”
McIlroy and Young are currently tied for first place and will be paired together for the final round at Augusta National. McIlroy had a historic six-stroke lead after the first two rounds (the largest lead in Masters history through 36 holes), but Young climbed all the way back in the third round to match McIlroy at the top of the leaderboard.
“It feels pretty good. It’s a place that I love,” Young said after his round on Saturday, his best-ever at Augusta National. “This is my fifth Masters, and every time I come back it’s a special place to be.”
McIlroy and Young tee off at 2:25 p.m. ET, setting up what’s sure to be a dramatic finish to the iconic tournament.
