Masters 2015: Predictions, Live Stream and TV Coverage Hub for Sunday
A green jacket is in sight for Jordan Spieth Sunday.
While he has been impressive, Spieth encounters more hurdles than usual for a Sunday morning leader. He's young, he's struggled in this position in the past, and red-hot names such as Justin Rose, Phil Mickelson and Charley Hoffman continue to breathe down his neck.
Spieth wakes with the next closest golfer four strokes back, but Augusta has a way of swallowing any sizable lead whole in a moment's notice.
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In other words, Sunday figures to be another classic at the legendary course.
Sunday's Viewing Information
Time: 3-7 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Live Stream: Masters.com and CBSSports.com
Breaking Down Sunday's Last Groups
Charley Hoffman and Phil Mickelson
Leave it to Lefty to make things interesting.
Mickelson continues to improve as the days wear on, shooting 70, 68 and 67. Round 3, of course, was the most impressive of all as he shot seven birdies, including a wow-worthy putt to stay right near the top of the leaderboard:
Mickelson has been all over the place this season and missed the cut at Augusta last year, but he's in form when the tour needs him most.
Even Spieth expects a big run from the veteran Sunday, per Golf Digest:
While it doesn't make for as great a storyline, Hoffman might have enough in the tank to pass Mickelson and give Spieth a serious run.
Sitting at 10 under par, Hoffman shot a pair of birdies and bogeys Saturday, which speaks to just how well he is in form this week to have a neutral day and still rest six shots off the lead.
Hoffman's serious contention isn't too surprising given his form at recent tournaments. What should scare the opposition Sunday, though, is he's explosive when he gets on a roll. In Round 2, he birdied five of his first 14 holes with no blemish between, and in Round 1, he shot five birdies and an eagle, the eagle and two birdies coming on three of his last four holes.
Hoffman doesn't seem the type of player to fall off a cliff without warning, so watch out.
Prediction: Mickelson shoots 68 and finishes tied for second; Hoffman shoots 70.
Justin Rose and Jordan Spieth
Then again, Justin Rose has the talent to steal everything Sunday, too.
Rose has a pair of 67s under his belt now, the most recent thanks to a ridiculous surge on the back nine Saturday in which he shot five birdies over the course of his last six holes.
There's a developing pattern here fans will want to watch. So will the rest of the field—Rose dominates down the stretch, as ESPN's Jason Sobel illustrates:
If things remain bunched at the top or become more claustrophobic, Rose has the consistency to close things out down the stretch and perhaps steal a win.
Of course, it all depends on Spieth.
The 21-year-old broke another record Saturday with the 54-hole scoring record with a 16-under 200. In the process, though, he looked a tad rattled, shooting three bogeys and a double-bogey on No. 17.
Now pair his youth with a bit of history, as ESPN's Trey Wingo points out the young player's inability to finish strong so far in his career:
No better time than the present to change history's course, right?
Spieth sounds plenty confident heading into the final round, as captured by Karen Crouse of The New York Times:
"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.
"
The thing is, Spieth's lead is bigger than it looks on paper. While the crowd behind him rallies, all he needs to do is play his game and not make any major hiccups.
It's easier said than done, but composure will win the day for golf's newest superstar.
Prediction: Spieth shoots a 68 to win; Rose ties for second.
Stats and info courtesy of PGATour.com unless otherwise specified.
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