The Southport golfer is seven points behind the leaders after yesterday’s action
Tommy Fleetwood’s third round at the Masters on Saturday was one to forget – and not to talk about. On a day when most of the leading figures were in the red as they played under-par, the 35-year-old Fleetwood had to grind his way to a one-over 73 to lie four-under for the tournament.
After handing in his card, Fleetwood left with his wife Clare Fleetwood and declined to speak to the press. The Southport-born golfer is seven shots behind the lead, which surprisingly is shared by defending champion Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young.
McIlroy, who went into the round with a six-shot lead, bogeyed the first and never recovered. The only time he was under for the round was after birdieing the 10th, but he dropped a shot on the very next hole and ended the round with a 73 to stand on 11-under for the tournament.
The Irishman said that he simply did not have it on the day. He said: “The course was obviously gettable. There was a lot of good scores out there, and obviously the quality of the chasing pack is obvious. There was a lot of guys that shot good scores.
“I’m still in a great position. I just know I need to be better tomorrow to have a chance.”
McIlroy, who last year was a popular winner as he finally secured the grand slam of winning all the majors, said that he can still go into the final round a little bit freer. “
He said: I’ll play like I’ve already got a green jacket, which I do. Sometimes I maybe just have to remind myself of that, but I think as well that the stakes in terms of the pairing will be just a little bit easier. You know, the atmosphere out there will be a little bit easier.
“I’m not worried about that at all. I wish I was a few shots better off, but I’m comfortable.”
Young, who has yet to win a major, hit eight birdies and gave away just one bogey on the par-5 15th to finish on 65.
Sam Burns is a shot behind McIlroy and Young on 10-under, while Shane Lowry is on nine-under.
The Irishman, who aced the par-3 6th, is the first person in Masters history to score two holes-in-one at the Masters. He said:
That is pretty cool and obviously that got me going. I think I am in a good space for tomorrow.”
Justin Rose is the best of the English players remaining in the field. He scored a 69 to share fifth place with Jason Day on eight-under.
The final round gets underway today.
