McIlroy Vows to Improve in Bid to Defend Masters Title

Rory McIlroy acknowledges that he needs to elevate his game if he hopes to successfully defend his Masters title on the final day, following a disappointing third round that saw him relinquish a six-shot lead. Despite starting strongly with rounds of 67 and 65, McIlroy's one-over par 73 on Saturday left him tied with Cameron Young at 11 under. McIlroy struggled with his iron play, hitting only 10 of the 18 greens in regulation, and made three bogeys along with a double bogey at the 11th after finding the water. Reflecting on his round, McIlroy stated, "I knew today wasn't going to be easy, given the strong competition. Although I didn't quite have it today, I'm in the final group, which is where I want to be, and I still have a great chance of winning." McIlroy's victory last year marked the end of an 11-year major drought and completed his career Grand Slam. He believes that having won last year and being in a different final group will aid his chances. McIlroy thinks he will play more freely, reminding himself that he already has a green jacket, and feels comfortable playing with Cameron Young again on Sunday. Sky Sports Golf's Rich Beem believes McIlroy's resilience will enable him to put the disappointment of losing his lead behind him and focus on Sunday's finale.