Scottie Scheffler fires Masters career-low 65, back in mix - ESPN

AUGUSTA, Ga. — After his first over-par score at the Masters in three years knocked him down the leaderboard Friday, world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler rebounded with a career-best round at Augusta National Golf Club on Saturday to climb back into contention.

Scheffler's bogey-free, 7-under 65 in the third round was his best score in 27 rounds in the Masters.

The career-best round might have been even better if a few more of Scheffler's putts had fallen, but he wasn't interested in talking about it after being asked what he felt it could have been.

«That's just a terrible question,» Scheffler said. «Next question. Awful.»

Scheffler was five strokes behind defending champion Rory McIlroy when he walked off the 18th hole, but it felt like he'd done enough to give himself a chance to win a third green jacket on Sunday at the 90th Masters.

«It wasn't maybe that bad, but it definitely could have been lower,» Scheffler said. «But like I said, I did what I needed to do. [I] went out and executed to give myself some opportunities. More of that tomorrow, and I think I'll be in a good spot.»

Scheffler matched his best score to par in a major championship. He was also 7 under in the second round of the Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland when he captured his fourth major title in July.

After a 2-over 74 in the second round left him at even par after 36 holes, Scheffler didn't wait long to make up ground Saturday. On the par-5 second, he hit his approach to 6 feet and sank an eagle putt.

Following four pars, Scheffler closed the first nine with three straight birdies. He made a 7-foot putt on No. 7, a 3-footer on No. 8 and a 4-footer on No. 9. His approach shot on the par-4 ninth hit the cup and nearly went in