It’s hard to believe, but the Masters is already halfway over at Augusta National Golf Club. The good news? It’s going to be a barn burner of a weekend. Francesco Molinari, Brooks Koepka, Jason Day, Adam Scott and Louis Oosthuizen are all tied at the top at 7 under par. And just one shot back? None other than Tiger Woods, along with Dustin Johnson, Justin Harding and Xander Schauffele. Also in striking distance? Ian Poulter, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Rickie Fowler…need we go on? The excitement is palpable! Here’s what you need to know for Saturday’s third round.
1. The best Masters groupings
We’re finally in twosome-ville! Here are the five most intriguing pairings, along with their Friday tee times (ET).
1. Tiger Woods, Ian Poulter (2:05 p.m.)
2. Brooks Koepka, Adam Scott (2:35 p.m.)
3. Matt Kuchar, Phil Mickelson (1:45 p.m.)
4. Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas (1:25 p.m.)
5. Rory McIlory, Marc Leishman (11:05 a.m.)
2. The cut has been made
After the second round, golfers with the low 50 scores, plus ties, as well as any golfer within 10 strokes of the lead, advanced to play the final two rounds. This year, a record 65 players made it into the weekend, meaning 22 players headed home on Friday. Notables among them? Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia, Danny Willett and Paul Casey.
3. How to watch the Masters Saturday
Streaming options will be available on Masters.com beginning at 11 a.m., where you can watch players on the range and featured groups. Coverage of Amen Corner begins at 12:30 p.m. ET and and holes 15 and 16 at 1:30 p.m. ET. The TV broadcast is on CBS from 3-7:00 p.m.
4. Masters weather
Early morning isolated thunderstorms are forecast to give way to cloudy skies around 10:00 a.m. ET on Saturday morning. The temperature is expected to range from the high 70s at the beginning of the players’ rounds to the mid-80s by the end of the day. The wind is expected to be calm, maxing out at 6 mph.
5. Tiger Woods Masters Watch
Tiger Woods fired an opening-round two-under 70 at Augusta on Thursday, at one point holding a share of the lead after a birdie at No. 14. And his second round on Friday produced even more fireworks, as he lit up the back nine to get to 6 under par overall — one shot shy of the lead. Can he stay in the mix and work his way into that final pairing on Sunday? Time will tell.
6. The Masters Round 3 best storyline will be …
The massive number of heavy-hitters on the first page of the leaderboard will provide a myriad of good storylines. Can Francesco Molinari ensure a spot in the Hall of Fame by claiming a second major title? Can Jason Day follow in his countryman Adam Scott’s footsteps to Masters glory? Speaking of Scott, can he persevere and claim a second green jacket? Brooks Koepka will seek to become a four-time major champion this weekend — one step away from the career grand slam. And then, of course, there’s Tiger. Major No. 15 — his first since 2008 — appears to be in reach. Can he do it? There are still way too many names within striking distance to know much of anything. That makes Saturday worth tuning in for.
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