Rory McIlroy just did something nobody has ever done in Masters history

McIlroy’s red-hot start to the third round saw him jump into the Masters lead as he hunts an elusive Green Jacket. Whatever happens, he’s already made history at Augusta this year.

The prize he covets above all else is given out on Sunday, but Rory McIlroy created a neat little slice of Masters history on Saturday at Augusta National.

Should he slip into the Green Jacket, the Northern Irishman will become just the sixth man to complete the modern grand slam, but none of the greats that came before him managed to do what he did on an electric Saturday afternoon at Georgia’s golfing paradise.

Starting Moving Day of the 89^th Masters two back of 36-hole leader Justin Rose, McIlroy set about turning the tables and tearing into Augusta like only he can.

The foundations were laid by his driver, which he launched 371 and 369 yards down the middle of the first and second fairways respectively. 

A wedge into the opener and a 12-footer gave him the opening birdie he would have been dreaming about but better was to come.

His approach into the par-5 2^nd drifted a few yards long and left him a slick chip, but he judged the slope to perfection to land the eagle, sending the patrons into a frenzy as he went from two back to one ahead in a matter of 20 minutes.

A birdie three followed at the third before it was consolidated with a solid par three at the difficult fourth.

Another 342-yard cannon down the middle broke the back of the difficult par-4 5^th and his approach left him 18 feet for another gain.

Riding the wave of momentum, there was only one outcome. He poured it in to begin his round with five consecutive threes, something no player has done in the history of the Masters.

For good measure, McIlroy slotted a nine-footer for par at the next to extend his new record and make it six threes in a row.

The run came to an end with a par four at the 7th but few will forget his Saturday afternoon charge, especially if he goes on to add a maiden Masters victory to his incredible roll of honour.