Masters 2018 leaderboard LIVE: Patrick Reed leads with Rory McIlroy three behind

Tiger Woods got off to a shocker during the third round of action at the 2018 Masters today, scoring back-to-back bogeys as he teed off alongside Englishman Ian Poulter on a rainy day in Georgia.

The four-time winner found the bunker in his first three holes of the day – but improved steadily as the day progressed to finish level par.

Elsewhere, young Engishman Matt Fitzpatrick shot a beautiful eagle on the 15th on his way to a five-under round, shooting into the top 20.

Countryman Tommy Fleetwood went on a blistering streak of five consecutive birdies to muscle his way into the championship race, finishing the day six-under in fifth place.

Rickie Fowler also moved into contention, shooting six-under to go tied third with John Rahm.

Course leader Patrick Reed extended his advantage at the top to four shots with a fine performance.

He brushed off a shaky start this morning to shoot four-under for the day through 13 – but Rory McIlroy is in hot pursuit.

McIlroy teed off seeking to build on a solid start in his quest for a second green jacket – and hit an incredible once-in-a-lifetime bunker shot on the fifth that pleased the fans.

The Northern Irishman is second on nine-under – but he was reluctant to be drawn into discussing a sensational second win at Augusta when speaking to Sky Sports earlier today.

Leader Reed insists he has the heavyweight game to handle a Saturday slug-fest at the Masters with storms expected to lash Augusta National today.

So far, the weather has favoured the players as heavy rain predicted to disrupt play failed to materialise.

But if the 2018 tournament turns into a battle of wills amid poor conditions, America’s cocksure Ryder Cup kingpin believes it will play into his hands.

MASTERS LEADERBOARD

“I’m from Texas. It blows 40mph and seems to rain every day in Houston. I like it when it gets challenging,” said Reed.

“I'm just going to go ahead and do the same thing I've been doing. My game plan has gotten me to this point, and I have 36 more holes to stick to my game plan. The biggest thing is to execute and stay patient out there and give myself opportunities to make birdies and try to roll in some putts.

“I believe that if I play the golf that I know how to play, that I can win Majors.”

Reed’s heroics also drew praise from Woods, who said: “He's playing great.

“We all know the kind of talent he is and he’s just a beautiful putter which is a great combo for this golf course.”

Jordan Spieth, who dropped back into the chasing pack yesterday after a 74, has predicted a high-scoring third round.

“With what the forecast looks like it looks like it is going to be a case of trying to grind out an even-par round,” he said.

“It becomes a tactical golf course when the conditions get tougher and I think that's an advantage for me. I feel like I tactically play this golf course very well.

“And if there's a rain delay, I'll be resting. Being in contention at the Masters is nothing new to me and therefore I won't be extremely anxious, I don't think.”

Speith has had a difficult third round so far, shooting one-over to slide to 11th in the leaderboard.

Elsewhere, Phil Mickelson finished two over to go +7 in the tournament.