AUGUSTA, Ga. — History shows chasing is easier than being chased.
Chasers face less stress than the front-runner.
This was the position those who were chasing Rory McIlroy faced in Saturday’s third round.
There was a sentiment Friday night, after McIlroy had taken a record six-shot lead through the first two rounds, that he’d put the 90th Masters to sleep before breakfast Saturday.
Yet, with the volatility of Augusta National in full force, coupled with several hot players in pursuit, it took only 28 minutes from the time McIlroy teed off for his lead to shrink from six shots to a mere two.
When the day was over, McIlroy’s 1-over-par 73 let a number of the pursuers back into the tournament.
Now, Cam Young, tied for the lead, has a great chance to win his first major.
Justin Rose, runner-up three times at the Masters, including last year’s playoff loss to McIlroy, is just three shots back.
Shane Lowry is just two back and in position to win his second career major.
For Sam Burns, one shot out of the lead, this is his best chance to win a first major.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler led the chase, posting an early 65.
All of the above — except for McIlroy — posted scores in the red and gained significant ground.
“The course was obviously gettable,’’ McIlroy said. “There were a lot of good scores out there, and the quality of the chasing pack is obvious. There were a lots of guys that shot good scores.’’
Lowry said he thought “if Rory could shoot a 68 today he might run away with the tournament.’’
“But the thing is, it’s not easy to go out and go after it when you’re at the top of the leaderboard,’’ he went on. “But when you’re down the field and you’re just having a go at it, it makes it a little bit easier and you can play a bit more freely.
“When you are out there in front you need to be a little bit more protective of what you are doing. It obviously wasn’t going to be an easy day for Rory to shoot a score.’’
Lowry said he saw Scheffler making a run “as probably everyone expected.’’
“He’s going to have a chance tomorrow as well,’’ Lowry said.
“I did what I needed to do … went out and executed to give myself some opportunities,’’ Scheffler said. “More of that [Sunday] and I think I’ll be in a good spot.’’
Added Lowry: “When we get to [Sunday], that’s when we’ll see what everyone is made of.’’