Crowded Masters Leaderboard Sets Up Thrilling Final Round

Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young share the lead, but a host of contenders are in the mix at Augusta National.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:26am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic energy of the final round of the Masters golf tournament, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of green, blue, red, and white representing the various players and elements of the course.The final round of the 2026 Masters promises an exhilarating battle between a crowded field of contenders vying for the coveted green jacket.Augusta Today

The 90th Masters Tournament is wide open heading into the final round, with Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young tied for the lead at 11-under par. A crowded leaderboard features several players who can win their first major championship, including Sam Burns, Shane Lowry, Jason Day, and Justin Rose. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is also in the hunt, looking to win his third Masters title in five years.

Why it matters

The final round of the Masters is always must-see TV, but this year's edition has an added level of intrigue with so many players in contention. A new champion would add another exciting chapter to the storied history of the tournament, while a win for McIlroy or Scheffler would cement their legacies as all-time greats of the game.

The details

McIlroy squandered a six-shot lead after 36 holes, shooting a 1-over 73 on Saturday to fall into a tie with Young. Young, the reigning Players Championship winner, erased an eight-shot deficit with a brilliant 7-under 65. Burns, Lowry, Day, and Rose are all within two shots of the lead, setting up a thrilling final round battle at Augusta National.

  • McIlroy and Young will tee off in the final pairing at 2:25 p.m. EDT on Sunday.
  • Scheffler, the world No. 1, will play in the fourth-to-last pairing at 1:52 p.m. EDT.

The players

Rory McIlroy

A four-time major champion looking to complete the career Grand Slam with a win at the Masters.

Cameron Young

The reigning Players Championship winner, seeking his first major title.

Sam Burns

Seeking his first major championship and sixth PGA Tour win.

Shane Lowry

The 2019 Open Championship winner, looking to add a second major title.

Scottie Scheffler

The world No. 1 and two-time Masters champion, aiming for his fifth major victory.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'd like to think that I'll play a little bit freer and I'll play, you know, like I've already got a green jacket, which I do. Sometimes I maybe just have to remind myself of that, but I think as well that the stakes in terms of, like, the pairing will be just a little bit easier. You know, the atmosphere out there will be a little bit easier. Yeah, I'm not worried about that at all. I wish I was a few shots better off, but I'm comfortable.”

— Rory McIlroy

“I don't get the sense I'll be the fan favorite [tomorrow], but yeah, I feel the support. Some fans that cheer for me have gotten louder over the last year. It will still be lopsided, I think. Rory's kind of a world favorite in the golf world. A year ago, if I'd been in the same situation, there would have been very little, and now there's probably a little more. So I'll take what I can get, and I'll be happy with that.”

— Cameron Young

“Maybe I'm just good (laughing).”

— Shane Lowry

“I can't control anything anyone else does. I can only control how I carry myself, my attitude, and those are the things I'm going to focus on.”

— Sam Burns

“The goal is to try and cut into the lead tomorrow through [the first] nine, and if I can do that, great. Then get myself somewhere near the lead on the back side and try and give myself opportunities.”

— Jason Day

What’s next

The final round of the 90th Masters Tournament will take place on Sunday, April 13, 2026. The winner will be determined by the end of play that day.

The takeaway

The 2026 Masters has all the makings of a classic final round, with a crowded leaderboard featuring several players seeking their first major championship. Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are the headliners, but a new champion could emerge from the pack and cement their place in golf history.