Rory McIlroy and Cameron Smith share the lead at 11-under par with one round remaining at Augusta National.
Rory McIlroy and Cameron Smith will contest the final pairing on Sunday at the PGA Tour‘s Masters Tournament, tied at 11-under par heading into the decisive fourth round at Augusta National Golf Club.
The two competitors have emerged from a competitive field to set up what promises to be a compelling finale to one of golf’s most prestigious events. McIlroy, the defending champion seeking his second green jacket, and Smith will take center stage in the closing 18 holes as they chase victory in this major championship.
Title Hunt at Augusta
The tie at 11-under represents significant progress through 54 holes at Augusta, where course conditions and the demanding layout typically reward the most precise shot-making. Both players have demonstrated the consistency required to maintain their positions atop the leaderboard throughout three rounds of competition.
McIlroy arrives at Sunday’s final pairing as defending champion, having claimed the 2025 green jacket. The Northern Irishman will be seeking to navigate Augusta’s back nine and secure his second title at the event. Smith, meanwhile, continues his bid to capture major championship glory.
The final pairing format ensures that the conclusion of the 2026 Masters will feature two of the world’s leading golfers in direct competition, with the winner determined by their performance over the closing holes on Sunday.