Scottie Scheffler Holds Masters Lead As Final Round Begins

Scottie Scheffler Holds Masters Lead As Final Round Begins...

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler leads the Masters Tournament by three strokes heading into Sunday's final round at Augusta National. The 29-year-old Texan carded a 1-under 71 on Saturday to maintain his advantage over challengers Collin Morikawa and Max Homa.

The tournament is trending nationwide as golf fans anticipate whether Scheffler can secure his second green jacket in three years. His steady performance through three rounds (10-under total) has drawn comparisons to Tiger Woods' dominant stretches at Augusta.

Sunday's final pairing will feature Scheffler and Morikawa teeing off at 2:35 PM ET. Morikawa sits at 7-under after a third-round 69, while Homa trails by four strokes. Defending champion Jon Rahm remains in contention at 4-under.

Augusta National's famed Amen Corner (holes 11-13) could prove decisive as winds are forecast to gust up to 20 mph. Tournament officials moved up tee times due to expected afternoon thunderstorms.

Scheffler's lead marks the 12th consecutive time the 54-hole leader at the Masters has held at least a share of the advantage. The last player to lose a solo lead after three rounds was Greg Norman in 1996.

Viewership is expected to surge for CBS's final-round coverage, which begins at 2 PM ET. The tournament has already drawn record streaming numbers through Paramount+ and Masters.com.

A Scheffler victory would cement his status as golf's dominant player, coming just weeks after wins at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship. The $3.6 million winner's check would push his season earnings past $15 million.

Augusta National members reported strong weekend ticket demand on secondary markets, with Sunday badges selling for over $2,500. The tournament's economic impact on Augusta, Georgia typically exceeds $120 million.