The top of the leaderboard at the 2026 Masters Tournament is very tight heading into the final round on Sunday, April 12. But despite losing his historic Masters lead, Rory McIlroy he said “he is still free.”
Some fans may argue that he is in the minority again comfort.
“I’d like to think I’m going to play a little more relaxed and I’m going to play like I already have the green jacket, which I do,” the reigning Masters champion said after the third round on Saturday, April 11. “Sometimes I probably have to remind myself of that.”
He continued, “I think, again, that the matchmaking stuff is going to be a little bit easier, and the atmosphere is going to be a little bit easier. So, yeah, I’m not worried about that. I wish I could have been better a few shots, but I’m comfortable. I played with it. Camera [Young] In the first two days, I play with him again [Sunday] and I think it’s a comfortable team for both of us.”
McIlroy’s comments rubbed a few golf fans the wrong way, with some commenting on social media.
“This statement from Rory McIlroy after hitting the record 6 shots, seems arrogant and has the mentality of ‘one Masters tournament is enough for me,'” said another user on X. “Tiger Woods will never answer a question like this.”
Cam Young and Rory McIlroy shake hands on the 18th green in the first round of the 2026 Masters Tournament
Hector Vivas/Getty Images“There’s no way anyone likes this guy,” commented another.
Some users came to McIlroy’s defense, saying the pro golfer’s comments were misinterpreted.
A hole-in-one is always cause for celebration – but Shane Lowry’s celebration will be even more special. After hitting an ace on the sixth hole at Augusta National in the third round of the 2026 Masters on Saturday, April 11, Lowry became the first golfer to hit two holes in one in that format. […]
“Wrong way to put this. A man who had ‘Career Grand Slam’ pressure for a decade +,” one user commented on X. “God forbid he’ll wear another green jacket on Sunday, let alone be one of 3 to win back-to-back… FEELING AND FREE PLAY. I don’t need to hear about all of your well-offended quotes. It’s great.”
McIlroy and Young are currently tied for first place and will square off in the final round at Augusta National. McIlroy had a record six-stroke lead after the first two rounds (the best in Masters history at 36 holes), but Young surged back in the third round to match McIlroy at the top of the leaderboard.
“It feels great. It’s my favorite place,” Young said after his Saturday round, his best ever at Augusta National. “This is my fifth Masters, and every time I come back it’s a special place to be.”
McIlroy and Young tee off at 2:25 pm ET, setting up what will be a dramatic finish to the iconic tournament.
