Sun Apr 13 18:30:00 UTC 2025: ## McIlroy on Verge of Historic Masters Victory, Holds Two-Stroke Lead

**AUGUSTA, Ga.** – Rory McIlroy stands on the precipice of golfing history. The Northern Irishman fired a dazzling 6-under 66 in the third round of the Masters, putting him at 12-under-par and two strokes ahead of Bryson DeChambeau heading into Sunday’s final round. A victory would grant McIlroy the coveted green jacket and complete the career Grand Slam, a feat achieved by only five others in the Masters era.

McIlroy, currently ranked world No. 2, started the day strong, erasing a two-shot deficit with a birdie-eagle-birdie start. He extended his lead to four strokes early in the round but saw his advantage shrink after bogeys on holes 8 and 10. However, a birdie on 13 and an eagle on 15 reasserted his dominance, leaving him four strokes clear of Corey Conners in third place.

DeChambeau, however, remains a significant challenger. A late surge, including a remarkable 48-foot putt on the 18th, brought him within two shots of the leader. The final pairing of McIlroy and DeChambeau promises a thrilling rematch of their 2024 U.S. Open duel, which DeChambeau won.

McIlroy, despite his commanding lead, remains cautious. “I still have to remind myself there’s a long way to go,” he said, referencing the potential for dramatic swings on the final day at Augusta National. DeChambeau echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for composure and execution under pressure.

This marks McIlroy’s 11th attempt at the career Grand Slam. A win would also end a decade-long major championship drought, his last victory coming at the 2014 PGA Championship. His performance this weekend has been exceptional; he is only the sixth player in Masters history to shoot consecutive rounds of 66. While a seven-stroke comeback is possible, it’s a feat only accomplished twice previously at the Masters. The pressure is high, but McIlroy, confident in his game, appears ready to seize the opportunity.

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