Scottie Scheffler Leads Masters By 3 Strokes Entering Final Round

Scottie Scheffler Leads Masters By 3 Strokes Entering Final Round...

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler holds a commanding three-shot lead heading into Sunday's final round at the 2026 Masters Tournament. The 29-year-old Texan carded a 5-under 67 on Saturday at Augusta National, putting him at 12-under for the championship.

Scheffler's steady performance comes amid challenging conditions that saw several contenders falter. Defending champion Will Zalatoris sits second at 9-under, while Rory McIlroy trails by five shots after a disappointing third-round 73.

The Masters is trending nationwide as golf fans anticipate whether Scheffler can secure his second green jacket. His 2024 victory at Augusta made him one of the tournament's youngest multiple winners in recent history.

Sunday's final pairing will feature Scheffler and Zalatoris teeing off at 2:40 PM ET. Tournament officials moved up start times due to forecasted afternoon thunderstorms in Augusta, Georgia.

Scheffler told reporters after his round: "I'm just trying to stay patient out there. This course demands respect, and I know Will and Rory won't make it easy tomorrow."

Viewership records are expected for the final round broadcast on CBS. The network reported Saturday's coverage drew the highest third-round ratings since Tiger Woods' 2019 victory.

Merchandise sales at Augusta National have surged, with Scheffler-branded items among the top sellers. The tournament's economic impact on the Augusta area is estimated at over $120 million this year.

PGA Tour officials confirmed Scheffler would return to world No. 1 regardless of Sunday's outcome. A victory would mark his fifth win in his last nine starts, cementing his dominance in professional golf.