Augusta has a way of shifting momentum without warning. Rory McIlroy felt that shift on Saturday, and by the time the dust settled, John Daly had already decided the defending champion would not be winning this one.

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- The 2026 Masters appeared to be headed for a straightforward conclusion after 36 holes. Rory McIlroy held a six-shot lead after an unbelievable run to close out his second round, doubling up the field at 12 under. He was in full flow, visibly freed up from the weight of expectation that long slowed him down at Augusta National.

Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young enter the Masters Tournament final round as co-leaders but will either win the green jacket?

Golf Digest’s Luke Kerr-Dineen has a perceptive look at how, even as McIlroy built a sizable lead through 36 holes at Augusta National, a worrisome trend had developed in his ball flight. That mirrors closely what happened to Greg Norman 30 years ago.

Rory McIlroy unraveled a bit in the third round of the Masters and by his own admission he'll need to dig deep to claim the green jacket now.