| -11 B Koepka (US); -9 J Rahm (Spa); -8 V Hovland (Nor); -6 P Cantlay (US); -5 H Matsuyama (Jpn), R Henley (US) |
| Selected others: -4 C Morikawa (US), S Bennett* (US); -3 J Rose (Eng), S Lowry (Ire); -2 J Spieth (US), S Scheffler (US), M Fitzpatrick (Eng); -1 P Mickelson (US); +2 T Hatton (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng) |
| Full leaderboard |
| * denotes amateur |
American Brooks Koepka holds a two-shot lead over Spain’s Jon Rahm going into Sunday’s final round at the Masters after they completed their rain-delayed third rounds at Augusta.
Koepka, who plays on the controversial LIV Tour, is 11 under after a 73.
His four-shot overnight lead was cut to two when he bogeyed the seventh and Rahm birdied it, both then carded two bogeys on the back nine.
Norway’s Viktor Hovland had five straight birdies to reach eight under.
The 25-year-old, who was joint leader with Koepka and Rahm after round one, dropped to three under after 10 but his run of birdies lifted him back into contention.
Five-time champion Tiger Woods, who was nine over and bottom of those to make the halfway cut, pulled out of the tournament through injury before play resumed.
England’s former world number one Justin Rose is three-under after a one-over 73, while compatriot Matt Fitzpatrick – the reigning US Open champion – finished on two under after a double bogey at the last.
The third round was finally completed at 11:50 local time (16:50 BST). The final round is scheduled to start at 12:30 (17:30 BST).
The 53-man field will go out in the traditional two-balls, with Koepka and Rahm going out last at 14:33 (19:33 BST), but groups will start on both the first and 10th tees to ensure the tournament is finished on time.
Improved weather in Augusta means the threat of a first Monday finish at the Masters since 1983 seems to have been avoided,
However, there will be gutsy winds on the course for the final 18 holes and could help provide drama in what is set to be an exciting finale.
In-form Koepka and Rahm still the men to beat
Koepka is bidding for a fifth major title – and a first since 2019 – despite barely having played 72-hole events in recent months.
The LIV Tour sees tournaments played over 54 holes, although Koepka arrived at the Masters in form having won last week’s event in Miami.
Earlier this week, LIV commissioner Greg Norman – who was not invited to Augusta – said all 18 of the circuit’s players who competed at the Masters would celebrate at the 18th green if one of them won the Green Jacket.
“It will be an interesting afternoon if the wind keeps swirling, anything can happen but you have to keep control of your ball,” said Koepka.
“I feel fine, I’m going about me.”
World number three Rahm was one of the pre-tournament favourites alongside Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, who missed the cut, and American defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who is two under after a third-round 71.
If he wins a first Masters, the 2021 US Open champion will become the fourth Spaniard to achieve it, following Seve Ballesteros – on what would have been the 66th birthday of the five-time major winner, who died in 2011 – Jose Maria Olazabel and Sergio Garcia.
“It would be a true honour to join my three Spaniards and add another major to the tally but there is a lot to be done,” said Rahm, who has chalked up three wins on the PGA Tour this year.
“I’m feeling good, playing good and hopefully I can keep it going.”
