Scottie Scheffler Leads Masters As Final Round Nears
Scottie Scheffler Leads Masters As Final Round Nears...
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler holds a two-shot lead heading into Sunday's final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National. The 29-year-old Texan carded a 5-under 67 on Saturday to reach 12-under for the tournament, putting him in prime position to win his second green jacket after his 2022 victory.
Scheffler's steady performance comes as golf fans across the U.S. tune in for what promises to be an intense Sunday showdown. The Masters always draws massive American viewership, but interest has spiked this year with several compelling storylines - including Scheffler's dominance, Tiger Woods' emotional return, and rising star Will Zalatoris sitting just three shots back.
Augusta National's iconic azaleas are in full bloom as the season's first major reaches its climax. Tournament officials moved up Sunday's tee times due to forecasted afternoon thunderstorms, with the final group scheduled to begin at 9:20 AM Eastern. CBS will broadcast the action starting at 10 AM, with ESPN+ offering featured group coverage.
Scheffler faces stiff competition from Norway's Viktor Hovland (10-under) and Zalatoris (9-under), who both have major championship experience. The leaderboard's depth has sports bars across America preparing for busy Sunday brunch crowds, while online sportsbooks report record Masters betting action.
This year's tournament marks the 90th anniversary of the Masters, with organizers introducing several course changes to test the field. The famous par-5 13th hole now plays 35 yards longer after a tee box extension, though low scores have still dominated the softened conditions following Friday rain.
Woods, competing in just his second event of 2026 after multiple surgeries, thrilled galleries by making the cut but sits 15 shots back at 3-over. The 50-year-old legend told reporters Saturday he's "just happy to be competing" at Augusta, where he's won five times.
Sunday's winner will take home $3.6 million from the record $20 million purse. Beyond the paycheck, the champion earns lifetime Masters invitations and a permanent place in golf history. With Scheffler's recent form - three wins already this season - many analysts consider him the favorite, though Augusta's back nine on Sunday often produces dramatic swings.
Google search interest in "Masters leaderboard" has tripled since Saturday evening as American golf fans prepare for what could be another classic Masters Sunday. The tournament's timing - concluding before the NFL draft and NBA playoffs begin - helps maintain its status as one of spring's premier sporting events.
