Key Points Summary: McIlroy Leads After intense Start
- Rory McIlroy jumps into the lead with a blazing third round start
- McIlroy goes 5-under through first five holes with eagle and birdie flurry
- Min Woo Lee penalized one stroke after controversial ball movement
- Leeโs penalty turns par into bogey, drops him to 5-over 77
- Justin Rose maintains strong position at the top after consistent play
- Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler still in striking distance
- Augusta leaderboard packed with big names and huge momentum shifts
Itโs not Masters weekend without a little dramaโand Round 3 of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National delivered it in spectacular style.
On one side, Rory McIlroy launched himself into the lead with a blistering, near-flawless start to his round. On the other, Min Woo Lee found himself in the center of a sudden rules scandal, receiving a one-stroke penalty that left fans and analysts stunned.
The race for the green jacket has officially gone off the railsโin the most thrilling way possible.
Rory McIlroyโs Red-Hot Start Lights Up Augusta
Talk about coming in hot. Rory McIlroy, the man chasing that elusive green jacket and career Grand Slam, turned Augusta National into his personal playground on Saturday morning.
He started the round with a jaw-dropping 5-under stretch through his first five holes, including a thrilling eagle and three birdies that had the gallery in a frenzy.
โThis is some of the best golf Iโve played at Augusta,โ McIlroy said with a grin. โAnd Iโm just getting started.โ
And he might be. After a frustrating first round, McIlroy has roared back into contention, reminding the world why heโs one of golfโs most captivating figures.
The Numbers Donโt Lie: Roryโs Round Was Legendary
Letโs break it down:
- Birdie on 1
- Birdie on 2
- Eagle on 3
- Birdie on 4
- Another birdie on 5
By the time he reached the back nine, Rory was officially leading the Masters, and the dream of a Grand Slam was alive and pulsing.
It was his sixth round of 66 or better at Augusta, putting him in rare company with legends like Jack Nicklaus and Jordan Spieth. Only Tiger Woods has more such rounds.
โI Rode My LuckโโMcIlroyโs 13th Hole Scare โ McIlroy Leads After intense Start
Things nearly went off the rails at the infamous par-5 13th.
After blasting his drive into the pine straw, McIlroy faced a daunting second shot over water. He debated between a 4-iron and a 5-iron before settling on the formerโand nearly came up short.
โI was like: โYou idiot. What did you do?โโ he confessed post-round.
Fortunately, the ball carried just enough, and he walked off with a par. A brush with disasterโbut also proof McIlroyโs magic is still working.
Not Just a ComebackโA Statement โ McIlroy Leads After intense Start
McIlroyโs resurgence is more than just great golf. Itโs emotional. Itโs personal.
After two double bogeys on Friday, some fans wrote him off. But Rory responded with the kind of resilience and poise that defines champions.
โIโm proud of the way I responded,โ he said. โIt wouldโve been easy to let yesterday ruin today. But I wasnโt letting that happen.โ
Now, heโs not only back in the mixโheโs leading, and the green jacket is closer than itโs ever been.
Min Woo Lee Penalized in Masters Rules Scandal
While McIlroy soared, Min Woo Lee found himself at the center of controversy.
On the 13th fairway, Lee noticed his ball had moved slightly. He called over an official, and after review, he was hit with a one-stroke penalty for causing the movement.
The ruling turned his par into a bogey, and his round into a disappointing 5-over 77.
Augusta Makes It Official
In a statement, Augusta National confirmed the penalty:
โMr. Leeโs actions near the ball did cause it to move,โ the tournament committee wrote. โThe rules dictate a one-stroke penalty in such circumstances.โ
Fans were divided. Some applauded Leeโs honesty, while others questioned whether the movement was significant enough to warrant punishment.
Either way, the incident cast a shadow over what had been a promising round.
Who Is Min Woo Lee?
For those new to the Aussie rising star, Min Woo Lee is no stranger to the spotlight.
- Recently won the Houston Open
- Huge following on social media
- Known for his electric energy and bold fashion
- Best Masters finish before this year: T-14 in 2022
This was shaping up to be his breakout momentโbut the penalty now leaves him needing a miracle on Sunday to get back in contention.
Leaderboard After Round 3: The Stars Align
With McIlroyโs surge and Leeโs slip, the Masters leaderboard is a whoโs who of golfโs biggest names:
- Rory McIlroy โ11
- Justin Rose โ10
- Bryson DeChambeau โ9
- Scottie Scheffler โ8
- Patrick Cantlay โ6
- Jon Rahm โ5
Expect this to go down to the wire, with Rose and DeChambeau both gunning for McIlroy and plenty of firepower waiting behind them.
Whatโs at Stake for McIlroy?
If McIlroy can hold on, heโll complete one of the sportโs rarest achievements: the career Grand Slam.
Only five players in history have done it: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.
Itโs a club that demands greatnessโand Roryโs ready to join.
What to Watch on Sunday
With 18 holes left, Sunday promises to be one of the most exciting finishes in Masters history.
- Can Rory hold off the chasers?
- Will DeChambeau go full throttle with power play?
- Is Justin Rose saving his best for last?
- Can Scheffler mount a final-round comeback?
- Will Augustaโs famous Sunday pins flip the leaderboard upside down?
Get your popcorn ready.
McIlroy Leads the Masters After Blazing Start, Min Woo Lee Caught in Shock Penalty
The 2025 Masters took a wild turn Saturday as Rory McIlroy exploded into the lead with a sizzling front nine, while Min Woo Lee was slammed with a controversial penalty that sent shockwaves through the tournament.
As McIlroy edges closer to history, the final round looms largeโwith drama, legacy, and the green jacket all on the line.
Donโt blink. This Masters isnโt done delivering yet.
