The Masters: Scheffler faces stern Smith challenge in final round epic

Out of this world

They say the Masters doesn't start until the back nine on Sunday, which is good news for Australia's Cameron Smith as he bids to reel in Scottie Scheffler in today's final round.

On Moving Day, Augusta National played only marginally easier than it did on Friday with the elite players in the field averaging 74.577 as a bitterly cold west wind allowed just nine of the 52 man field to break par and just one to dip below 70.

That man was Smith, who carded an otherworldly, four-under 68 — two strokes better than Tommy Fleetwood and three better than Scheffler, who scrambled a miraculous bogey-five, complete with penalty drop, at the 18th en route to a 71 and the 54-hole lead on nine-under-par.

Getting the job done

The Texan is 1.57 to win for the fourth time in his last six starts and claim his maiden major victory. But our hard-earned cash will be going on the unflappable Smith, who is at 4 to become just the second Australian to win the Masters.

"This guy is a born, natural competitor… he doesn't overcomplicate the game, and he focuses on the things that are really important, and that is getting the job done," former Ryder Cup skipper Paul McGinley said in his analysis for Golf Channel.

Scheffler was cruising on 11-under par with five holes to play before he wobbled slightly coming down the stretch by sandwiching birdies at the 13th and 17th between bogeys at the 12th, 14th, 15th and 18th.

Six clear at one point, he is now vulnerable to attack today with lighter winds and balmier temperatures and some traditional Sunday pin positions likely to yield at least one low round.

Justin Thomas is eight shots back but more than capable of shooting a 65 today to put pressure on Scottie Scheffler

Low scores possible

The good news for the world number one is the chasing pack has a lot of work to do with Sungjae Im (18) five behind and Shane Lowry seven shots back alongside 2011 champion Charl Schwartzel after playing his last 10 holes in three-over for a disappointing 73.

"The course isn't going to lay down by any means, but it's going to be open for a 65 or 66 and an opportunity to charge and put a score on the board," McGinley added.

Justin Thomas and Corey Conners shot 72s to trail by eight shots on one-under, but both are capable of a 65 that could put the leaders under pressure.

Rory McIlroy is just the kind of player who could catch fire on the final day, but at one-over, the Co Down man appears to have left himself too much to do, even after barging his way into the top 10 with a 71.

Smith the dangerman 

By his own admission, Lowry is playing some of the best golf of his life, but Smith looks to have the flair and the poise to cause Scheffler most problems and add the Masters to his brilliant triumph in The Players at TPC Sawgrass.

"Yeah, it should be a great fight tomorrow," Scheffler said. "Obviously, Cam is a tremendous player, and he's got a fantastic short game, and he's coming off a huge win at The Players. Both of us are in good form, so I'm definitely looking forward to the challenge of playing with him tomorrow.

"Little bit of different conditions on the golf course. I'm sure they will keep the green nice and firm, but the wind will be a little lighter. I'm not sure how much lighter it will be, but I think we are both looking forward to the test and the challenge."

As for Smith, he's up for the fight and brimming with confidence after his win at TPC Sawgrass. "Yeah, it just means I can get it done I guess, when I'm up against the best guys in the world," he said of the significance of that win. "It's a good feeling to have. It's earned. It's not given to you."

Recommended bets

Cameron Smith @ 4

Sungjae Im @ 18

Justin Thomas @ 70