As the final round of the 2025 Masters approaches, Jason Day is gearing up for a formidable challenge against Rory McIlroy, who currently holds a commanding lead at Augusta National Golf Club. Day, who has consistently climbed the leaderboard, finds himself in a tie for sixth place with a score of 5-under, seven strokes behind McIlroy's impressive 12-under total.
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, Day shot a solid 1-under 71, showcasing a mix of skill and resilience. His performance included two birdies and two bogeys, highlighting the challenges of Augusta. "Sundays at Augusta are unlike any other tournament. You just never know what potentially could happen," Day noted, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the final round.
McIlroy, on the other hand, dazzled spectators with a remarkable second consecutive round of 6-under 66. His performance was historic, as he became the first player in Masters history to score six threes across the first six holes, sending the crowd into a frenzy. This stellar play has him on the brink of completing a career Grand Slam, an achievement that only five other golfers have accomplished.
Day expressed a mix of admiration and frustration regarding McIlroy's performance, humorously stating, "I want to break every club in his bag," acknowledging that even such drastic measures would likely not hinder McIlroy's momentum. "He's clearly playing some good golf, so you've got to do the best job you can," Day added, reflecting on his own need to focus on his game amidst McIlroy's brilliance.
Despite his ambitions, Day feels somewhat powerless watching McIlroy notch birdie after birdie. He reminisced about past tournaments where McIlroy had surged ahead significantly, recalling a time at Congressional where he finished second, trailing by eight strokes. "I've been on the receiving end of a couple of those where he's run away with it a little bit," Day admitted.
As the tournament progresses, the atmosphere at Augusta is electric, yet Day noted that the excitement generated by McIlroy's performance still doesn't compare to the roars that once accompanied Tiger Woods. "It wasn't a Tiger Woods cheer," Day recalled, remembering the overwhelming support Woods received during his prime. "I was standing there like, what happened?"
Looking ahead to the final round, Day is aware that a strong performance could put him back in contention for the coveted green jacket. "If you shoot a low one, you can use the crowd as momentum, and it also works against you, as well," he said, hinting at the dual nature of crowd support at Augusta.
For Day, the journey through the Masters has been a steady ascent, having shot 2-under in each of the first two rounds before his 71 on Saturday. His history at Augusta includes a second-place finish in 2011 and two additional top-five finishes, proving that he has the experience and skill to mount a serious challenge.
As the final round unfolds on Sunday, April 13, 2025, Day will tee off at 2:10 p.m. ET alongside Ludvig Åberg, both vying for a comeback. The final day promises to be thrilling as Day seeks to capitalize on any opportunity to close the gap on McIlroy.
With CBS providing coverage from 2-7 p.m. ET and Paramount+ offering exclusive streaming options starting at noon ET, fans will have ample opportunity to witness the drama of the final round. The current leaderboard shows McIlroy leading at -12, followed by Bryson DeChambeau at -10, and Corey Conners at -8, with Day tied for sixth with Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, and Scottie Scheffler at -5.
As the sun sets on Augusta, all eyes will be on McIlroy as he attempts to secure his place in history. Will Jason Day mount a comeback, or will McIlroy finally break free from his Masters torment? The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to this year’s Masters Tournament.
