Record Low Score Shakes Up Masters Tournament Leaderboard
Record Low Score Shakes Up Masters Tournament Leaderboard...
A historic performance at the 2026 Masters Tournament has sent shockwaves through the golf world as an unknown contender posted the lowest single-round score in Augusta National history. On Saturday morning, 28-year-old PGA Tour rookie Jake Thompson carded a stunning 9-under 63 during the third round, breaking the previous course record shared by Nick Price (1986) and Greg Norman (1996).
The Alabama native's record-breaking round featured eight birdies and an eagle, with his only bogey coming on the notoriously difficult 11th hole. Thompson's performance propelled him from tied for 42nd place to solo leader at 14-under par heading into Sunday's final round. Golf analysts immediately began comparing the round to Tiger Woods' dominant 1997 Masters victory.
The record score comes at a crucial moment for the tournament, which had faced criticism earlier in the week for slow play and conservative scoring. Thompson's aggressive approach - he hit driver on 12 of 14 driving holes - has electrified the Georgia crowds and brought new energy to the championship. Social media erupted with reactions, with #MastersRecord trending nationally by midday.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley acknowledged the historic moment during a press conference, calling Thompson's round "a testament to how today's athletes are pushing the boundaries of this game." The previous 63-scorers, Price and Norman, both tweeted congratulations to the young golfer within minutes of his final putt.
Weather conditions contributed to the scoring opportunities, with soft greens from Friday night rain and minimal wind during Thompson's morning tee time. However, competitors who played later in the day struggled to match his performance, with only three other players breaking 68 in the third round.
Sportsbooks immediately adjusted their odds, making Thompson the new favorite at 2-1 after starting the day at 80-1. The dramatic shift has created what analysts are calling the most unpredictable Masters Sunday in recent memory, with seven players within four strokes of the lead.
Thompson, who earned his PGA Tour card through last year's Korn Ferry Tour, remained humble in his post-round interview. "I just tried to stay present on every shot," he told ESPN. "The putter got hot and things snowballed in the best way possible." His caddie, veteran looper Mike Hicks, called it "the most surreal day of my 30-year career."
The record round comes during a season of increased focus on golf scoring, following recent equipment regulation debates. Thompson used a conventional driver and irons, not the controversial "hot" faces that have drawn scrutiny from governing bodies. His performance may influence ongoing discussions about course setup and technology in professional golf.
Sunday's final round begins at 10:15 AM ET, with Thompson paired with two-time major winner Collin Morikawa in the final group. CBS Sports expects record viewership for the championship round, with Thompson's Cinderella story drawing comparisons to 2003 Masters winner Mike Weir's breakthrough performance.
