Watch: Rory McIlroy's incredible chip for eagle at Masters
There’s something to be said for local knowledge at the Masters.
It’s no coincidence that Jack Nicklaus won six green jackets, Tiger Woods four and Phil Mickelson three.
The more you play Augusta National, the more you know where to hit, and more importantly where not to.
Rory McIlroy is right there among the very best golfers in the world. He’s won the U.S. Open, the British Open and two PGA titles.
But this is the tournament he wants the most, the one he needs to complete the career Grand Slam.
Nobody will ever forget McIlroy’s epic collapse on the back nine at Augusta in 2011.
Even after his early struggles, the Irishman still held the lead until it all fell apart, shooting a final round 80.
That was his golden chance. Since then, his best finish was fourth, four shots back of Jordan Spieth in 2015.
What the 28-year-old did Saturday won’t erase those painful memories, but it could just be what lifts him over this final hurdle.
Patrick Reed leads the tournament by three shots, but thanks to a chip for the ages, McIlroy will tee off Sunday in the final group, alongside the man he has to beat.
It happened on the par-5 eighth hole, when Rory went past the green with his second shot.
That left him in a precarious situation — a delicate shot with not much green to work with.
Oh, and once the ball landed on the green, there was no easy way to stop it. Unless …
"How about that shot?!"
This incredible eagle has Rory McIlroy tied for the lead. #themasters pic.twitter.com/2eC0SmUS3I— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 7, 2018
As incredible as that was, Reed did him one better, eagling the 13th and 15th holes.
The final twosome will have the weight of the world on their shoulders.
“There’s a lot more players in this tournament than just Patrick and I,” McIlroy told reporters Saturday. “It won’t be quite as intense, but we’ll still be feeling it. Patrick is going for his first [major], and I’m going for … something else.”
Perhaps attempting to take some of that pressure off of himself, Rory reminded the media who’s the hometown favorite here, saying, “All the pressure is on him. He went to Augusta State. He’s got a lot of support here. I’m hoping to come in and spoil the party.”
As if to make a statement heading into Sunday, McIlroy ended Saturday with a bang.
What a way to end the round!
Rory McIlroy birdies 18 to close the Third Round at -11. #themasters pic.twitter.com/4zW5zEpxxi— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 7, 2018
This is his chance to exorcise the demons from Augusta, and he knows it.
“Hopefully, all I did learn seven years ago, I can put into practice. I’ve been waiting for this chance,” McIlroy said.
It should be a Sunday to remember.
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