Golf-Scheffler takes one-shot lead into Masters final round

World number one Scottie Scheffler took a one-shot lead into the Masters final round on Sunday, which was shaping up as a Green Jacket showdown of youth and experience at Augusta National. Masters champion in 2022, Scheffler started his quest for a second Green Jacket in three years one clear of Collin Morikawa atop a tightly packed leaderboard, setting the stage for a final-round thriller that will play out on a perfect day.

World number one Scottie Scheffler took a one-shot lead into the Masters final round on Sunday, which was shaping up as a Green Jacket showdown of youth and experience at Augusta National.

Masters champion in 2022, Scheffler started his quest for a second Green Jacket in three years one clear of Collin Morikawa atop a tightly packed leaderboard, setting the stage for a final-round thriller that will play out on a perfect day. Scheffler and twice major champion Morikawa opened with pars at the first with Max Homa, who has gone 33 holes without a birdie, two back in the early going.

Holding steady three behind the leader is Swedish young gun Ludvig Aberg, who continues to display nerves of steel in his major championship debut. Hours before the leaders took to the stage the spotlight belonged to Tiger Woods, with massive galleries lining every hole from tee to green perhaps fearing this could be one of the last times to see the golfing icon at work.

Woods had the year's first major buzzing when he claimed a record 24th consecutive made cut at Augusta National on Friday and then boldly predicted a sixth Green Jacket was in reach. But the American, who has conjured up a long list of magical Masters moments, could not produce another, enduring perhaps the most

miserable weekend of his career.

The 48-year-old's injury-battered body appeared to quit on him Saturday as he carded a 10-over 82, his worst major round as a professional, and followed up on Sunday with a five-over 77. Coming into the Masters, Woods had played just 24 holes this year and had to play nearly as many on a marathon Friday as he completed his weather-delayed opening round followed immediately by another 18.

That effort, physical and mental, seemed to be too much for a golfer who has struggled for fitness for years dealing with back, knee and ankle injuries and a near fatal car crash in 2021 that almost resulted in the amputation of his right leg. While Woods' weekend performance sparked questions about his competitive future, the 15-times major champion made it clear he has plans to play in all three remaining majors starting next month at the PGA Championship and followed by the U.S. Open in June and British Open in July.

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