May an all-time traditional Augusta closing spherical play out on Sunday, with world No 1, and 2022 champion, Scottie Scheffler at present holding a one-stroke lead, however with a star-studded discipline desirous to chase him down.
In among the many high contenders are some potential first-time main winners, together with two making their Masters debuts; there’s the prospect of the third leg of a profession Grand Slam being accomplished, or may we see a LIV golfer carry the trophy?
Or may we merely be in retailer for a Scheffler procession down the stretch? This is what he and a set of his closest challengers needed to say forward of the final-day’s drama…
Scheffler’s quest for a second Augusta success
Scottie Scheffler: In a single day chief at seven underneath after a third-round 71, which included a surprising eagle at 13 after having dropped three photographs at 10 and 11
“I am happy with how I performed immediately. It was a superb battle on the market.
“It is good to have that have [of winning in 2022], however going into tomorrow, that is actually all that it’s. I can mirror on a few of that stuff from that spherical and this can be a place I am very acquainted with.
“On the finish of the day, it is all about my course of and attempting to remain affected person on the market and hit all my photographs and hit high quality putts as properly.
“I’m excited for the challenge of going and trying to win the golf tournament.”
Can Morikawa transfer one away from profession Grand Slam?
Collin Morikawa: 2020 PGA champion and 2021 Open champion, taking part in within the closing pairing with Scheffler, trailing by one at six underneath
“Scottie is the No 1 player in the world for a reason, and what he’s done over the past few years is incredible. But, at the end of the day, it doesn’t scare me.
“For those who informed me initially of the week that I would be one again heading into Sunday, I’d have taken that any time. You give your self an opportunity with 18 holes left, that is all you may actually do.
“Thankfully I’ve already been able to win two [majors], so I can kind of go back on those experiences and take that experience into tomorrow.
“It doesn’t suggest tomorrow goes to be an ideal day or go precisely as I deliberate. However I understand how to prep, not less than. And I feel I’ve received a reasonably good plan, so hopefully we will execute it tomorrow.
“It always crosses your mind [winning the green jacket]. I’m not going to say that it doesn’t… we are here on a Saturday night, and I’m one back.”
LIV contenders to trigger Augusta upset?
Bryson DeChambeau: 2020 US Open champion, nonetheless within the combine at three underneath as he indicators off third spherical of 75 with chip-in birdie at 18, having misplaced three-way grip on the lead from day two
“It’s not easy when the course conditions aren’t kind of leaning to your favour.
“You simply have to remain optimistic it doesn’t matter what. I had a terrific break on 18… I am going to take that any day of the week.
“It’s very difficult to chase, but I’m going to take what I can on this golf course where I can, and I’ve got to make some putts. If I can make some putts tomorrow, I think I can have a good opportunity. I’m excited.”
Cameron Smith: 2022 Open champion, at present six photographs off the tempo at one underneath
“I think I’m still in the golf tournament. The way that the golf course is playing, I feel really confident with my ball striking – it’s probably the best I’ve felt in a while – and it only takes one or two their way and one or two my way, then suddenly it’s really close.
“I would prefer to suppose I am a reasonably good golfer. I’ve simply received to maintain doing what I am doing, hitting it to fifteen, 20 ft, and hopefully they go in tomorrow. I’ve simply received to maintain grinding it out.”
Will Augusta crown a first-time major winner?
Max Homa: Tied at the top with Scheffler and DeChambeau heading into day three, a round of 73 has him two strokes off the lead at five under
“I’m going to remind myself I’m a dog and I’m ready for this moment.
“If I catch myself enthusiastic about what may go improper, I let myself dream about what may go proper. I do not know what is going on to occur tomorrow.
“I think that’s the thing… I was really nervous on 18 and putt it right in the middle. Just because you’re nervous and uncomfortable, it doesn’t mean you’re not going to succeed. Even if I am nervous tomorrow, I’ve just got to embrace it.”
Xander Schauffele: 2020 Olympic champion, however but to style main success… he sits 5 again at two underneath going into Sunday
“I kind of have to go out and shoot something ridiculous tomorrow.
“Completely [it’s possible]. That is all I can shoot for.
“I’m going to be ahead of the leading groups, but not too far… You just want a chance coming down that back nine. Hopefully I’ll have mine tomorrow.”
Two European stars eyeing Masters glory on Augusta debuts
Ludvig Åberg: The 24-year-old Swede, who starred in Group Europe’s 2023 Ryder Cup win, is at present fourth on the leaderboard at 4 underneath
“I think about it all the time [winning a first major]. I’m okay thinking about it.
“Clearly I am a competitor and I need to win tournaments… I do not suppose you need to draw back from it. I do not suppose you need to attempt to push it away. I attempt to embrace it, and I attempt to be okay with all that comes with it.
“Obviously I will keep an eye on the leaderboard tomorrow and see where we’re at. You’re always trying to put yourself in the right positions and try to make the putts. That’s what we’re going to try to do tomorrow even if we’re tied for the lead or two back or four back.”
Nicolai Hojgaard: The 23-year-old Dane briefly held the lead at seven underneath on Saturday earlier than a run of five-straight bogeys on the second 9 dropped him again to 2 underneath
“I played lovely through the first 10 and was in a position where I was really good mentally, playing really good golf… but then I hit a couple loose shots. From 13 onwards, it all happened a little bit fast.
“If I knew the method, I most likely would have carried out it on the market. It is simply difficult.
“At the moment, I’m all over the place. But I’ve got to regroup, got to go out and do my best tomorrow.
“There’s been a number of great things this week. Tomorrow, I am going to attempt to do the identical factor and put myself able the place, with a number of birdies on the again 9, I may need a shot.”
Who will win The Masters? Watch Featured Groups live on Sunday from 3pm via the red button or log in to the Sky Sports app, with live build-up on Sky Sports Golf from 3pm ahead of full coverage from 6.30pm.
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