World No. 28 Jason Kokrak swallowed a late double but still carded a 1-under 36-35=71 in R3 of the 86th Masters, climbing 14 places to T9, 10 in arrears of leader Scottie Scheffler (71).
The Canadian-born American, now age 36, was a late-bloomer on the PGA TOUR, not winning his first of a-now three titles until the 2021 CJ CUP @ SHADOW CREEK in his 233rd career start. After recording laps of 70-76-71 this week, he’s now firmly in line for a first major top 10 in his 19th overall major appearance, looking to supplant a best of T17 at the 2021 U.S. Open at Winged Foot. If for nothing else, the Xavier alum should, at the very least, better a 49th-place finish here last year (71-76-71-77) in his second appearance, although his round-by-round scores are looking eerily similar so far and needs to avoid another Sunday meltdown. He’s T2 in Driving Accuracy thru 54 holes at 83.33 percent (35/42), striping another 11 (of 14) fairways today, and was cruising along at 3-under thru 14 holes (4 birdies, 1 bogey) before a double bogey-7 at 15, where he watered his second and airmailed the green with his fourth after a penalty drop. UPDATE: The top 10 didn’t happen for Kokrak, closing with 1-over 73 to fall to T14 on 2-over 290, but that T14 is a new, personal best in the majors.