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Cameron Young has admitted he does not expect to be the "fan favourite" at the Masters today as he bids to prevent Rory McIlroy from retaining his title. The American sits at 11-under heading into the final day of the major alongside McIlroy and is determined to claim his first major trophy at Augusta National.

However, Young is under no illusion that the stands will be roaring his name. Asked if he'd be the fan favourite over McIlroy, he said: "I don't get the sense I'll be the fan favourite. But yeah, I feel like the support, some fans that cheer for me, have gotten louder over the last year. It will still be lopsided, I think. Rory's kind of a world favourite in the golf world."

Despite acknowledging the vast number of supporters willing McIlroy to defend his crown, Young concedes he would sooner be battling the Northern Irishman for the Green Jacket now than he would have done in 2025. He added: "A year ago, if I'd been in the same situation, there would have been very little, and now there's probably a little more.

"So I'll take what I can get, and I'll be happy with that."

Young endured a modest start to proceedings in Georgia, finding himself eight strokes adrift of the lead heading into Saturday's round. He carded a seven-under 65 to thrust himself into contention alongside McIlroy, with whom he will tee off on Sunday afternoon.

The American has already claimed one title from the 36-year-old this season, triumphing at the Players Championship in March to dethrone McIlroy. He will be aiming to become only the third player to clinch both the TPC Sawgrass event and the Masters in the same calendar year.

Previous appearances at Augusta National have not been particularly kind to Young, having missed the cut last year. Prior to that, his best result was a tied-seventh-place finish in 2023, and he has yet to win a major title.

Nevertheless, with a Wyndham Championship victory last year and a Players triumph in 2026, the 28-year-old could well be dreaming of wearing that green jacket for the very first time.

Both players will undoubtedly feel the pressure, yet the excitement surrounding the American is clear.

Looking ahead to Sunday's action, Young added: "I feel that I have been around the lead in the major championships for a good few years now. But never here.

"I played a good round on Sundays a few years ago and finished in the top 10. But never had a chance to win. Yeah, just really excited to get to playing golf."