We finally make our way to golf's first major -- where Patrick Reed continues to be the man to catch. The beefy American came into the second round holding a two-shot lead, looking to extend that. The world number 24 had never shot below 70 at the famed Augusta National course, but ripped off his third straight session in the 60s as he closes in on his first ever major -- but lurking closely behind is Rory McIlroy, who needs to triumph here to complete the career grand slam.

Things would be going well for Rory -- despite being in the beach at 5 -- he whips his shot out of danger -- getting a good roll and on the dance floor.

Then on 8 the former world number one, is chipping from just off the green, and he is right on target -- as it rolls nicely, and straight towards the cup. That puts him into a tie for the lead.  

But on 13, the Northern Irishman gets into trouble -- doing some gardening after his tee shot lands in the flowers.

He is able to get it out of trouble, and near the green, and avoids some massive issues and stays near the top of the leaderboard.

Overnight leader, starts to get hot on the back nine -- the same hole that troubles McIlroy is not for Reed -- this is his approach, and that sets him up for an eagle as he charges ahead.

And he steps up to nail the big chicken as he opens up a lead on the chasing pack.

A couple holes later -- the beefy Yankee is on the fringe, and is right on the money, gently getting it onto the green, and rolls it straight in for his second eagle of the day -- opening up a five stroke lead.

McIlroy closes that gap as he steps up to drain a birdie putt on 18 and leaves him within striking distance, after a 7-under 65.

Reed drops a stroke in the final two holes, but putts out on the closing hole signing for a 5-under 67, and takes a three-shot lead into Sunday's final round -- and is on the cusp of his first major. Rory seeking his first Masters, and erase the memory of blowing the lead in 2011.

So Reed has a three-shot lead going into the final round over McIlroy. Rickie Fowler and John Rahm also in contention, as those two along with Rory each fired 65s, the first time ever Augusta has seen three 65s in the same round. China's Li Haotong is at plus one. Tiger Woods is plus four.