Scottie Scheffler issues apology to Masters reporter after mocking ‘terrible’ question
Scottie Scheffler attempted to apologise to a reporter at The Masters after calling one of his questions 'awful' and laughing at him during his post-round press conference on day three.
Scheffler shot a seven-under-par round of 65 at Augusta National to move firmly into contention heading into the final round.
The two-time Masters champion enters Sunday four shots off the co-lead held by Cameron Young and Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy started the day six shots clear after a historic second round, but couldn't capitalise on that advantage.
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The reigning Masters champion was wayward with his drives and tee shots, and found the water on 11 before recording a double bogey.
His third round has opened the door for the likes of Scheffler to get in the mix on Masters Sunday - though that didn't mean the American was completely satisfied.
A reporter asked him in his press conference: "That was a 65 today. What did it feel like it could have, or should have been?"
Scheffler snapped: "That's just a terrible question. Next question. Awful." He then laughed at the interviewer.
The 29-year-old's round of 65 was just two shots off equalling the course record - though it is true that he potentially could have holed birdie opportunities on the final two holes.
Either way, it was still a remarkable day of golf for Scheffler, who undoubtedly believed that the line of questioning should have focused on how well he played Augusta National.
He did backtrack, though, later in the interview, responding to a separate question: "I already ripped on one question that wasn't that bad, so I'm not going to rip on another one." He again laughed.
Who else is in Masters contention?
While McIlroy's round of 73 opened the door for Players Championship winner Young to draw level, there are a number of other golfers who are in contention.
McIlroy's day three playing partner Sam Burns is in third on 10-under-par, with Shane Lowry a shot further back.
The Irish golfer recorded a hole-in-one at the par-three sixth on day three, becoming the only player in Masters history to record two hole-in-ones at Augusta National.
Jason Day and last year's runner-up Justin Rose are on eight-under, with Scheffler tied alongside China's Haotong Li on seven-under.
The 2018 champion Patrick Reed - who started the day with three birdies but dropped back to even-par for the round - is tied for ninth on six-under alongside Russell Henley and Patrick Cantlay.
Masters leaderboard (after day 3)
- 1) Rory McIlroy -11
- 1) Cameron Young -11
- 3) Sam Burns -10
- 4) Shane Lowry -9
- 5) Jason Day -8
- 5) Justin Rose -8
- 7) Haotong Li -7
- 7) Scottie Scheffler -7
- 9) Patrick Reed -6
- 9) Russell Henley -6
- 9) Patrick Cantlay -6
Ryan Smart