Rory McIlroy makes golfing history just six holes into his third round at The Masters

Augusta, Georgia – April 12, 2025 — Rory McIlroy lit up Augusta National on Saturday morning with a record-breaking performance that sent shockwaves through the hallowed grounds of The Masters. In a jaw-dropping start to his third round, the Northern Irishman etched his name into tournament history by becoming the first player ever to open a round at The Masters with six consecutive threes.

McIlroy, who began the day two shots off the lead at six-under-par, wasted no time closing the gap. Following advice from golf legend Butch Harmon to “come out firing,” the four-time major winner unleashed a dazzling sequence that included two pars, three birdies, and a majestic eagle on the par-5 second hole.

Rory McIlroy is the first player in Masters history to start his round with six consecutive threes. #themasters

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2025

His scorecard read like a dream: 3-3-3-3-3-3 — an unprecedented feat in the tournament’s rich history, as confirmed by The Masters’ official X (formerly Twitter) account. The electric start propelled him past overnight leader Justin Rose and Bryson DeChambeau, igniting hopes that McIlroy may finally capture the elusive Green Jacket and complete his career Grand Slam on his 11th attempt.

342 yards off the tee on No. 5. A nine iron into the green. Another birdie for Rory McIlroy. #themasters pic.twitter.com/KDk9O2YQKv

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2025

Even golf icon Jack Nicklaus has tipped McIlroy for glory this week, and Saturday’s fireworks may be the clearest sign yet that destiny could be calling. Adding to the history, McIlroy also became the first player since Mark O’Meara in 2001 to begin a weekend round at Augusta with a birdie-eagle-birdie trio on holes 1 through 3.

Rory McIlroy: 1st player to begin a weekend round at The Masters with birdie-eagle-birdie at 1-2-3 since Mark O'Meara in the final round in 2001

— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) April 12, 2025

The 2022 runner-up entered Saturday following rounds of 72 and 66, and now looks more confident than ever. “It feels like vintage Rory,” one commentator noted, as McIlroy bombed a 342-yard drive off the fifth tee and followed it up with a nine-iron approach to set up yet another birdie.

While there’s still much golf to play, McIlroy’s blazing start has turned Augusta into a cauldron of excitement. Golf fans across the globe are now watching closely — could this finally be Rory’s moment at The Masters?

Stay tuned. The charge is on.