Masters 2022: 6 things to know for Sunday’s final round at Augusta

Just like that, we’re only one round away from the conclusion of the 2022 Masters.

And also just like that, the outcome of the tournament remains a question mark instead of a sure-thing coronation, thanks to a series of bogeys on Augusta National’s closing holes by leader Scottie Scheffler on Saturday afternoon.

Here are six things you need to know for Sunday’s final round.

1. Scottie Scheffler’s big moment

The 25-year-old World No. 1 has a chance to do something only a handful of players have ever done: win a major while holding down the top spot in the world ranking.

While Scheffler has a three-shot cushion heading into the final 18, the round will be far from a coronation, especially given the shaky finish we witnessed on Saturday, when Scheffler bogeyed four of his last seven holes.

There’s sure to be plenty of drama as he makes the turn alongside Cameron Smith on Sunday afternoon, and we can’t wait to watch.

2. Cameron Smith’s chance at history

Cameron Smith’s stellar season has been somewhat overshadowed by Scottie Scheffler in recent weeks, but if the 28-year-old manages to wrest the green jacket from Scheffler on Sunday, he’ll not only claim his first major title, he’ll also become only the second Australian ever to win the Masters, nine years after Adam Scott became the first.

3. Major champs are lurking

You can never tell what’s going to happen on Augusta’s back nine, and a wildly low round from one of the players trailing Scheffler may somehow bring them into the mix on Sunday.

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More than a handful of proven major champions are occupying the top 10 on the leaderboard, including Open champ Shane Lowry and Masters champ Charl Schwartzel (-2), PGA champ Justin Thomas (-1), Masters champ Danny Willett (E), four-time major winner Rory McIlroy (+1) and two-time major winners Collin Morikawa and Dustin Johnson, also +1.

4. Tiger!

The Big Cat didn’t look his best on Saturday, signing for a six-over 78, bringing him to seven over for the tournament and T41. But he’s playing Augusta National at the Masters on a Sunday, and you can bet we’ll be tuning in to the early coverage to watch him do it.

5. Course setup

Two famous holes at Augusta — Nos. 11 and 15 — were lengthened this year, resulting in less fireworks, especially on No. 15. Will the tees be bumped up to maximize the potential for Sunday drama, and roars? We certainly hope so.

6. The forecast

After a chilly and breezy Saturday, the weather is improving for Sunday’s round.

The temperature is expected to peak at 73 degrees in the early evening, and the wind isn’t expected to exceed a gentle 8 mph.

In other words, a perfect Sunday golf day awaits. Let’s go!