McIlroy Tied with Young for Masters Lead at 11-Under

AUGUSTA, Georgia - Defending champion Rory McIlroy enters the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament tied for the lead with Cameron Young at 11-under par, setting up a dramatic showdown on Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club.

McIlroy, seeking to become the first player since Tiger Woods in 2001-2002 to win back-to-back titles, began the third round with a historic six-shot advantage after the largest 36-hole lead in tournament history. However, his cushion vanished during a challenging stretch through the iconic Amen Corner holes. From the 11th fairway, McIlroy's approach shot skipped off the front of the green into the water, resulting in a double bogey. He followed with a bogey on the par-three 12th after his tee shot landed behind the green. Although he birdied the 14th and 15th to briefly regain the solo lead, a wayward drive on the 17th led to another bogey, capping a one-over 73 that left him sharing the top spot.

Young, a 28-year-old American in pursuit of his first major victory, charged up the leaderboard with a flawless seven-under 65, matching the low round of the week. Starting eight shots behind McIlroy, Young birdied the par-three 16th with a 27-foot putt to...