Augusta, GA … Despite his clear disappointment, Rory McIlroy reckons the 80th Masters is still ‘winnable’.
McIlroy failed to record one birdie in a very uncharacteristic round on day three at Augusta.
Despite the bright but very windy and testing conditions, McIlroy gave playing partner and defending Masters champion, Jordan Spieth little trouble over their long five hours and 30 minutes on the Augusta National course.
And had it not been for Spieth doubling the last, McIlroy would find himself seven shots behind Spieth and not five.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 09: Jordan Spieth of the United States and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walk on the second hole during the third round of the 2016 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2016 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Spieth’s mishap at the last, that he later remarked would be difficult to put behind him tonight, opened the Masters victory door on some 16 players teeing off tomorrow and within six shots of the lead.
“I couldn’t get anything going really,” said McIlroy.
“It felt more like a US Open than a Masters today. I am disappointed.
“I felt like I righted the ship a little on the back nine but couldn’t take the few opportunities I gave myself. If I am to take heart from anything then it’s the fact Jordan has just let a lot of people in after his finish.
“But I need to get off to a fast start tomorrow. The forecast is for better conditions tomorrow and we know stranger things have happened but I need to play a lot better than I played today.
Rory McIlroy closely watches Jordan Spieth’s shot during the third round at the Masters.
“It’s difficult to play with the lead on this course with the condition of it. It’s difficult to play with the lead today because you are on the defensive the whole time and there you can’t take many flags on and leaving yourself lag putts the whole time. But hopefully the conditions are better tomorrow and we can make a few birdies and see what happens.”
McIlroy will start the final round in the sixth last group of the day, and playing alongside American Daniel Berger who rose to fame some 13 months ago in losing a play-off to Padraig Harrington for the 2015 Honda Classic crown.
And though disappointed, McIlroy believes he’s got a shot at winning the one tournament he so dearly desires.
“I think it’s winnable from here,” he said.
“If Jordan hadn’t had that finish he had then I would probably say no but he finished that way and the guys on two and three over like myself feel like we have a chance now. I just have to make sure that I get off to a fast start and put some red numbers on the board and make a bit of noise to put a bit of pressure on the guys playing behind me.
“I need to be more aggressive. I played very tentatively today right from the get-go. I hit it in the bunker on two and that was the way of it. I didn’t birdie any of the holes I had been doing for the first two days, I didn’t take advantage of the par fives. I made a couple of big numbers ad had no red on the card and that is never going to bode well. I was trying so hard on that last putt to just make one birdie today but it wasn’t to be.
“I’m only five back and I can’t believe I am standing here saying that because I was eight behind standing on the 17th tee. I need to regroup and stay positive and go out and attack tomorrow.”
