Saturday at Augusta might’ve been the most electric start to a broadcast I can remember. The first few holes from the final three pairings? Exactly how fan’s want to see golf being played.
Let’s start with Rory—because how could we not? He opened the day by launching a 371-yard bomb down the first fairway, then immediately followed that up with a chip-in eagle on 2. I’m not saying I thought “course record” but… okay yes I did. Back-to-back 66s and now he’s one round away from the career grand slam. The stage couldn’t be more perfect, and at this stage in his career his mental lock looks real.
While all that was happening up front, Ludvig Aberg was just out there doing Ludvig things—quietly grinding, making pars look stylish, and then catching fire late. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective, and now he’s in the hunt.
Let’s address one of my calls from yesterday: Justin Rose. I said I didn’t think he’d fade this year. And for most of the round, he wasn’t actually playing his way out of the tournament… Then came that 3-putt on 16, and the slow leak started.
Meanwhile, Corey Conners keeps being Augusta’s stealth mode assassin. No fireworks, just fairways and greens and giving himself endless birdie looks. The numbers love him, and I can’t help but keep believing.
Jason Day gave us a little reality check after flirting with something historic the first two rounds. The bogeys showed up, but the way he’s striking it? Still wouldn’t be shocked if he posts a number early on Sunday and makes things interesting.
And then there’s Scottie. He’s been solid, but that signature “Scottie charge” we’re so used to just hasn’t quite shown up. Something feels just slightly off—still dangerous, but maybe his hand injury took some of the magic.
But in the end, this day belonged to Rory—and in a storyline so good it almost feels scripted, he’s paired with Bryson for Sunday. The face of the PGA vs. the face of LIV. That’s not just must-watch golf—that’s movie-script stuff.
Buckle up. Sunday’s going to be wild.