The first two rounds of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., felt like nothing more than part of a ceremony for an eventual Rory McIlroy coronation.
The Northern Irishman held a six-shot lead through 36 holes.
That lead has now completely evaporated following a brutal Saturday from McIlroy, paired with an awesome third-round performance by Cameron Young.
Still, McIlroy seemed confident that he would pull through and get the job done on Sunday.
“I’d like to think that I’ll play a little bit freer and I’ll play like I’ve already got a Green Jacket, which I do,” the reigning Masters champion said, via Golf Channel.
“Sometimes I just have to remind myself of that, but I think as well that the stakes in terms of, the pairing will be just a little bit easier. The atmosphere out there will be a little bit easier. Yeah, I’m not worried about that at all.”
"I'll play like I've already got a green jacket, which I do."
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) April 11, 2026
Rory McIlroy details his comfortable mentality going into his first Sunday in contention as a former Masters champion ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/CjyhwmoudQ
Many fans, however, are not feeling the aura McIlroy tried to project with that statement.
Speaking of a green jacket he’s gonna drape one around an American’s arms tomorrow around 7 PM
— AlbatrossHunter (@ZebbaWax) April 11, 2026
I hope he chokes!!… this guy is not humble at all
— Pan Dulce (@dulcepan1970) April 12, 2026
Winning last year made him insufferable.
— Lauren Faby (@LaurenFaby) April 12, 2026
“Hi, my name is Rory and I think I’m bigger than the game.”
— 🅿️-Lubes (@PLubes33) April 11, 2026
Whats the surrender index on a statement like this? Are we… Making excuses Rory?
— Wayward Albie (@8feBirdshot) April 12, 2026
After firing 67 and 65 in the first two rounds, McIlroy struggled to sustain his form. He carded a 1-over 73 in the third round, while Young had a 7-under 65 to tie McIlroy for the lead heading into Sunday.
Whether he admits it or not, McIlroy will be under tremendous pressure to deliver and avoid a collapse as he looks to secure his second Green Jacket.
