Masters Third Round Thoughts 2011

Rory shows no sign of slowing down. On a day when lots of players were going low, McIlroy increased his lead. He’s playing like a seasoned pro. I predict he’ll have the Green Jacket in the end.

Where did Angel Cabrera come from? He was totally off the radar screen. The guy walks like a duck, but flies like an eagle.

Adam Scott’s 67 was very impressive. Too bad most of the round wasn’t on television. But what’s with that old man’s putter he’s playing with?

Barring bouts of food poisoning with all the leaders, Tiger isn’t going to win this Masters. I know for sure that he’s not come from behind after 54 at the Masters, and I’m fairly sure he hasn’t done so in any major. The analyst consensus has been that Tiger’s putting has let him down. But what I see are a lot of approach shots that aren’t in a position to let him get that one putt.

Another thought on Tiger. What’s with all the slipping on his swings? He’s off balance, and out of rhythm, and that’s another thing that tells me that his swing is not working.

More: Is Stevie looking a little rough these days? I thought he seemed worn out.

Charl Schwartzel was one of my league picks. I feel good about that one. I don’t think many envisioned him in a position to win.

I wouldn’t mind seeing KJ Choi win, either.

Sunday should be a terrific day. There are seven players within six shots of the lead. There are 23 within five shots of the current second place. And if McIlroy falters ...

Nine shots is the biggest comeback in the final round, a feat accomplished by Jack Burke in 1956. Gary Player picked up eight shots in 1978. So four is not at all safe for McIlroy.

An interesting factoid—and one that may have result in a chaotic, up and down final round: Nine of the top 13 players on the board, McIlroy included, have never won a major.