Scottie Scheffler retains Masters lead, Tiger Woods falls behind

Despite major problems on the 18th hole, Scottie Scheffler saved a 1-under 71 that gives him a three-shot lead en route to the final round of the Masters.

Scheffler came into the day with a five-stroke lead that was the widest ever after 36 holes at Augusta National. He maintained a three to six shot lead in the third round.

The 25-year-old Texan ripped his last-hole tree shot into the towering pines to the left of the fairway. He found his ball but was penalized for an unplayable lie.

After dropping his ball where he could swing, Scheffler ripped a brilliant long iron out of the pine straw that sailed just a few feet from the flag and rolled off the back of the green. He placed it next to the hole and tapped out about 2 feet for a bogey that felt so much better.

Scheffler is 9-under 207 after three rounds.

Cameron Smith, who won the Players Championship in March, posted the best round of the day, a 4-under-68 for a 210 overall in very difficult conditions. First round leader Sungjae Im is the only other player within five strokes to 212.

As for Tiger Wodos, he scored his highest score to date at the Masters.

Finally, showing the effects of a horrific car accident that could have cost him his right leg, Woods blasted a 6-over-78 in the third round to end any hope of a sixth green jacket.

Smith is at 6-under 210 in three rounds. Scheffler is at 9-under with two holes to play after stumbling a bit with a stretch of three bogeys in four holes down the back.

Smith’s appearance is not unusual. He’s had three top-10 finishes in five previous Masters appearances – including a tie for second place behind winner Dustin Johnson in 2020.

It was a tough day for almost everyone, with temperatures battling in the 50s (10 degrees Celsius) and lots of wind. But it was particularly difficult for Woods, who had never shot a score above 77 at Augusta National. He goes into the last round with 7 to 223.

After two solid rounds of putting, Woods really struggled on the greens. He described it as “zero feeling”.

Still, it was an encouraging performance given all that Woods has been through. The Masters is his first competitive tournament in more than 500 days.