DJ builds 4-shot lead after matching 54-hole scoring record at the Masters
Dustin Johnson proved why he's world No. 1 on Saturday at the Masters.
The 23-time PGA Tour winner fired a blistering 7-under 65 in Round 3 at Augusta National to break away from the pack and build a four-shot lead ahead of Sunday.
He was in a five-way tie for first going into Round 3 but quickly moved in front after making easy work of No. 2. His approach from 221 yards settled three feet away from the cup and he proceeded to roll in the eagle.
From there, he was in cruise control. Five birdies lifted Johnson to 16-under for the week, and his second 65 of the tournament helped him match the 54-hole scoring record at the Masters.
Holding a 54-hole lead is a familiar position for Johnson. However, he's the only player who's failed to convert their first four 54-hole leads during major championships into a win.
If he hangs on to win Sunday, Johnson will finally add a second major title to his resume to go with his 2016 U.S. Open victory.
Here's how the top of the leaderboard stands going into the final round:
| Place | Player | To Par | R3 Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dustin Johnson | -16 | 65 |
| T2 | Sungjae Im | -12 | 68 |
| T2 | Abraham Ancer | -12 | 69 |
| T2 | Cameron Smith | -12 | 69 |
| 5 | Dylan Frittelli | -11 | 67 |
| 6 | Justin Thomas | -10 | 71 |
| T7 | Sebastian Munoz | -9 | 69 |
| T7 | Patrick Reed | -9 | 71 |
| T7 | Jon Rahm | -9 | 72 |
Abraham Ancer and Cameron Smith, two of the five co-leaders after Round 2, hung tough on Saturday. They each posted rounds of 69 to remain within striking distance of Johnson. Sungjae Im joined them at 12-under with a 4-under 68.
The same can't be said for the other 36-hole co-leaders. Justin Thomas made four bogeys on his final seven holes and turned in a 1-under 71; Jon Rahm shot even par, which included an ugly double-bogey seven on the par-5 eighth.
Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Tommy Fleetwood, and Hideki Matsuyama are at 8-under and round out the top 10.
Players will tee off in threesomes off No. 1 and 10 for Sunday's final round, which begins at 7:50 a.m. ET. The final group will tee off at 9:29 a.m. and the broadcast will begin at 10:00 a.m.