Rory McIlroy stumbles on day 3 of the Masters, opens door for Cameron Young, other challengers

Rory McIlroy was immaculate in the first two rounds of the Masters. He entered Saturday with a six-stroke lead, the largest in Masters history through 36 holes. However, he somehow managed to lose that lead during the third round, opening the door for Cameron Young and the rest of the pack.

McIlroy managed to blow the lead after 12 holes of play on Day 3 of the Masters, according to Chris Vannini of The Athletic. After 16 holes, the multi-champion golfer still owns the lead with -12, but rather than by six strokes, it’s just by one stroke over Young.

“The largest 36-hole lead in Masters history has been blown 12 holes later,” reported Vannini. “Cam Young now leads Rory McIlroy.”

Things started falling apart on hole 11 when McIlroy hit the ball into the water. He really went through it on Amen Corner. McIlroy finished hole 11 with a double bogey, then backed that up with a bogey on hole 12.

Rory McIlroy finds the water on No. 11. pic.twitter.com/S3Nr12SiUh

— Golf on CBS (@GolfonCBS) April 11, 2026

There was a brief moment where Rory McIlroy was overtaken by Cameron Young for first place. After McIlroy fell from -13 to -10, Young sank a clutch putt for birdie to bring his score to -11 through 15 holes. Young will begin the final round with a -11 score through the first three days of the Masters.

We have a new solo leader.

Cameron Young, who started the day eight shots back, leads at -11. pic.twitter.com/hTN3KNKcyd

— Golf on CBS (@GolfonCBS) April 11, 2026

This story is currently developing, and more information will be published soon.

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