Masters Leaderboard 2015: Sunday Score Updates and Tournament Predictions

Jordan Spieth remains in control of the 2015 Masters, but several of golf's superstars are in hot pursuit of the coveted green jacket.

Following a third-round 70, Spieth set a new 54-hole record for the tournament at 16 under. Although, his five-stroke lead dwindled to four due to a scintillating five-birdie back nine by Justin Rose that propelled him up the standings and into solo second at 12 under. Phil Mickelson continues to play well, and he finds himself well in contention heading into Sunday at 11 under.

Despite a one-under 71 on Saturday, Charley Hoffman is still hanging around at 10 under, but the big story from Round 3 was a run up the leaderboard by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, as each moved to six under following a round of 68.

Kevin Streelman, Kevin Na and Dustin Johnson round out the fifth-place ties at six under.

So, here's the burning question: Will any of these players generate enough momentum to usurp Spieth and claim the title of Masters champion, or will the 21-year-old phenom become the tournament's first wire-to-wire winner since Raymond Floyd in 1976?

As we await the answer to that question, let's take a look at the updated Masters leaderboard and predict how the tournament will ultimately shake out.

Updated Leaderboard

Tournament Predictions

Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Place	Golfer	Score
1	Jordan Spieth	-17
T2	Phil Mickelson	-15
T2	Justin Rose	-15
4	Tiger Woods	-10
T5	Rory McIlroy	-9
T5	Charley Hoffman	-9

There's no question Spieth is under an immense amount of pressure Sunday. Not only is he coming off his worst round of the week, but memories of his runner-up finish in 2014 are surely dancing around in the back of his head. It certainly doesn't help that a handful of golf's biggest names have placed a target on his back, either.

Spieth struggled around the greens a bit Saturday, misreading some short putts and chipping with inconsistency. However, he did pull off a thrifty pitch on the 18th hole, as his ball came to rest just eight feet away from a short-sided pin location. After sinking the putt, his confidence was restored.

Following the round, he spoke of how big it was to finish in that manner during a press conference, per Brian Wacker of PGATour.com:

"

It was really big. It was huge. It was one of the bigger putts I've ever hit. ... I was very frustrated.

I think I took enough time looking at that chip shot to really calm myself down and pick the right play and just trust it.

"

The 21-year-old will need every ounce of confidence Sunday, as he's surrounded by golf's greats. His patience will be tested, and his nerves will have to be held in check. He's done a nice job of maintaining his composure through 54 holes, but the stakes are at their highest and the pressure will be felt more than ever during the tournament's final 18 holes.

Spieth was asked about what he expects in the final round during a press conference, per Karen Crouse of The New York Times, and he responded:

"

There's going to be a lot of roars. Phil is going to have a lot of roars in front. Tiger and Rory, you're going to hear something there.

It's just about throwing those out of my mind. Not worrying about it, not caring, setting a goal and being patient with the opportunities that are going to come my way. I feel comfortable with the way I'm striking the ball. My putting stroke feels good.

"

Spieth's comfort level is a good sign, as he'll need consistent play to hold off the surging Rose, who birdied five of his last six holes Saturday and is playing with a great deal of momentum. Things certainly won't get any easier with Mickelson in the mix, as Lefty's aggressive approach led to a brilliant 67 in Round 3. His style of play may be risky, but it also makes him a huge factor Sunday.

While Woods and McIlroy are 10 strokes off the pace, they can't be completely counted out. Both are coming off great rounds of 68 and are more than capable of producing very low numbers under heavy pressure. If they get hot out of the gate and Spieth begins to peek at the leaderboard, a dramatic turn of events could be in store.

Most young players would crack under the pressure of leading a major tournament heading into the final round. In fact, we've seen even the most experienced veterans collapse down the stretch (see: Greg Norman in 1996). However, Spieth has shown a level of maturity that's well beyond his years, and that will be the deciding factor here.

Expect Spieth to remain patient, play to the center of fairways and greens, avoid big mistakes and force the field to come get him. That should be just enough to earn him his first major victory and put a green jacket in his closet.