Dozen Golfers Within 6 Shots of Masters Lead After Wild Moving Day

Rory McIlroy's 6-shot lead evaporates as Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Young, and others surge into contention

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented golf tournament scene, with players, the course, and spectators all broken down into abstract shapes and angles, conveying the dynamic energy and suspense of the final round of the Masters.The final round of the Masters promises a thrilling conclusion as a dozen players vie for the coveted green jacket.Owings Mills Today

The Masters tournament took a dramatic turn on Saturday as Rory McIlroy's 6-shot lead vanished, leaving him tied for the lead with Cameron Young at 11-under par. A dozen players are now within 6 shots of the lead, setting up a thrilling final round with a number of high-profile golfers in contention, including 2-time champion Scottie Scheffler, who shot a 65 to climb into a tie for 7th.

Why it matters

The tight leaderboard and number of big names in the mix heading into the final round of the Masters creates an exciting scenario for the tournament and its TV partner CBS Sports. Any one of a dozen players could potentially win the green jacket, making for a potentially dramatic finish to one of golf's most prestigious events.

The details

On a day of record-breaking scoring, 10 players shot 68 or better, with the field average score of 70.63 setting a new Masters record for the third round. Scottie Scheffler got the surge started with an eagle on the 2nd hole and a front-nine 31, briefly threatening the course record of 63 before finishing with a 65. Cameron Young also shot 65, while Sam Burns, Shane Lowry, and Jason Day all posted 68s to get within a few shots of the lead.

  • The third round of the 2026 Masters tournament was played on Saturday, April 12.
  • The final round will take place on Sunday, April 13.

The players

Rory McIlroy

The defending Masters champion, who held a 6-shot lead entering the third round but saw that advantage evaporate on Saturday.

Cameron Young

The young PGA Tour star who shot a 65 on Saturday to tie McIlroy for the lead at 11-under par heading into the final round.

Scottie Scheffler

The 2-time Masters champion who surged into contention with a 65 on Saturday, climbing to within 4 shots of the lead.

Sam Burns

The PGA Tour player who shot a 68 on Saturday to sit just 1 shot behind the co-leaders.

Shane Lowry

The veteran Irish golfer who recorded a hole-in-one on the 6th hole and shot a 68 to get within 2 shots of the lead.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I feel like the guys that are leading right now have all the pressure. I'm just kind of, I'm the chaser. Usually, the chasers don't really have a lot of the pressure. Guys at the top of the leaderboard always are trying to defend the lead, whereas I'm pushing forward, trying to cut into the lead.”

— Jason Day, Golfer

“I was aware that (McIlroy) wasn't kind of stretching (the lead) out, so kind of made it feel like, yeah, all to play for.”

— Justin Rose, Golfer

“I can't control anything anyone else does. I can only control myself, and so that's kind of what the mentality we took today. Just focus on our process and go out there and compete.”

— Sam Burns, Golfer

What’s next

The final round of the 2026 Masters will take place on Sunday, April 13, with Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young set to tee off in the final pairing.

The takeaway

The dramatic movement on the Masters leaderboard on Saturday has set the stage for a thrilling final round, with a dozen players still in contention to win the green jacket. The tight race at the top, featuring several high-profile names, should make for must-watch television and an exciting conclusion to one of golf's most prestigious tournaments.