Rory McIlroy aims for ‘free’ state of mind in final round of Masters after losing six-shot lead

• McIlroy visibly short of his best during one-over par 73

• ‘I wish I was a few shots better off but I’m comfortable’

Rory McIlroy hopes to benefit from a “free” state of mind on the final day of the Masters, despite the defending champion conceding he will have to improve markedly from round three to retain the Green Jacket.

McIlroy saw https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/apr/12/cameron-young-reels-in-rory-mcilroy-with-pack-on-their-tails-for-masters-finale">his six-stroke lead evaporate on Saturday, meaning he enters the fourth round in a tie with Cameron Young at the top of the leaderboard.

McIlroy was visibly short of his best during a one-over par 73.

The Northern Irishman can, however, pull upon the glory of 2025 at the same venue. “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,” McIlroy said. “Sometimes I maybe just have to remind myself of that.

The pairing will be just a little bit easier, the atmosphere out there will be a little bit easier.