Rory McIlroy's thoughts ahead of now or never moment at The Masters

Final round tee times

Rory McIlroy says he will steer clear of his mobile phone ahead of a now or never moment at the 2025 Masters.

McIlroy took a giant step towards completing the career grand slam with a scintillating third-round performance.

The Northern Irishman, 35, hit his second consecutive round of 6-under 66 on Saturday to take the 54-hole lead.

He will play in the final group at Augusta National alongside American maverick Bryson DeChambeau.

DeChambeau pipped McIlroy to the 2024 U.S. Open title in what represented the toughest defeat of McIlroy's career.

The American, 31, drained a 50-foot birdie putt at the 18th to close the gap.

"I think I still have to remind myself that there's a long way to go," McIlroy said.

"I, just as much as anyone else, know what can happen on the final day here."

The Ulsterman was referencing his 2011 collapse when he blew a four-shot lead.

This is the first time he has held a 54-hole lead in a major since he won the 2014 US PGA Championship at Valhalla.

McIlroy began the third round of the first men's major of the year trailing Justin Rose by three strokes.

The Northern Irishman raced out of the blocks and played the first five holes in 5-under par.

It represented the first time in Masters history that a golfer started a round with six consecutive threes or better.

McIlroy faltered with sloppy bogeys at the eighth and 10th.

But a birdie at 13 followed by his second eagle of the day at the 15th - the scene of his undoing on Thursday - lifted McIlroy to a comfortable lead.

"It was such a great way to start," McIlroy said. "Just to come out of the blocks like that."

DeChambeau was not at his best but still managed to find three birdies in his final four holes.

It sets up a tantalising finale.

"I've got a lot of experience," McIlroy said.

"I came in here talking about being the most complete version of myself as a golfer, and you know, I just have to keep reminding myself of that and remind myself that no matter what situation or scenario I find myself in tomorrow, I'll be able to handle it."

McIlroy told reporters he plans to steer clear of his mobile phone ahead of his final round tee time.

He may consume another chapter The Reckoning or watch a show with wife Erica.

McIlroy is currently watching the hit Netflix show Bridgerton.

"I think right now I'd just rather watch the show," McIlroy said.

McIlroy said he is not short of options to fill the time.

Yesterday morning, he watched some Premier League football highlights and also spent time with his daughter Poppy watching Zootopia.

"Very, very good movie if anyone's interested," he said.

He added: "The one thing I've tried to do a good job of this week is just not being on the phone and just trying to stay clear of that and do other things."

All of the attention will of course be on McIlroy and DeChambeau.

But there are several others that will believe they can claim the green jacket.

Canada's Corey Conners is breathing down McIlroy's neck on 8-under.

Former champ Patrick Reed is also in the mix.

As is Ludvig Aberg and reigning champ Scottie Scheffler.

Shane Lowry and former world number one Jason Day will also harbour hopes they can win the first men's major of the year.

"It will be the grandest stage"

DeChambeau plans to become a three-time major champion this time tomorrow.

"I'm excited for it," he said of the prospect of going head-to-head with McIlroy.

"We both want to win really, really badly, and it's -- you know, shoot, there's a lot of great players behind us, too.

"[We have] got to be mindful of that and focus on -- it's about who can control themselves and who can execute the golf shots the best."

Whilst McIlroy will opt for some Netflix or a book, DeChambeau knows exactly what he will be doing tonight.

"It will probably be a James Bond movie," he said.

What era? Pierce Brosnan, apparently.

"That will be fun," he said. "I love James Bond movies."

DeChambeau stressed there is still a lot of golf left to be played.

"That's what I kept telling myself," he said.