Rory McIlroy: Analysis of Championship Chances Entering Day 3

Rory McIlroy is the new fan favorite in the golf world, but he has to prove he has what it takes to win the Masters.

His rise to stardom has coincided with the downfall of Tiger Woods. The sport needed someone to replace the large persona, and the 22-year-old could be the person to do it.

McIlory has all of the physical tools it takes to win the tournament this weekend.

He shoots some of the most accurate shots in the game and seems to be able to birdie any hole on the course.

Among the those in striking distance of the lead, he and Lee Westwood are the only ones in the top 10 in the world rankings.

If he plays to his ability, he can obliterate the one-stroke deficit coming into the day and take a commanding lead through three rounds.

The only thing that can hold back McIlory is himself. 

In order to be a successful golfer, you need to be as strong mentally as you are physically.

Rory has proven he can handle the physical aspects of the game, but this tournament might be the biggest test of his career from an emotional standpoint. 

A year ago, McIlroy had a four-stroke lead going into the final day of the Masters. However, a disastrous triple bogey on the 10th hole caused him to unravel.

He ended up finishing tied for 15th after shooting an 80 on Sunday, the worst round in history for a golfer leading on the final day of the tournament.

Although the Northern Ireland native was able to recover from this event and win the U.S. Open in dominant fashion, returning to Augusta is a whole different story.

McIlory should have a quality round on Saturday with little pressure on him, but the big question is how he will fare on Sunday.

He has already shown he can focus after starting a round with a double bogey. Now, he needs to show he can overcome adversity if things do not go his way in the final round.

If he can, he will be leaving this weekend with a green jacket.