Rory McIlroy makes golf icon ask for 'a Valium' at the Masters after 'Disneyland' start

left pundits and spectators in awe on Saturday following a scintillating start to his third round at . The Northern Irishman stormed to the top of the leaderboard after starting the day with two birdies and an eagle.

McIlroy put himself back in contention to land the fifth Major of his career on Friday after carding the best score of the day. His six under moved him to joint third in the standings after he finished his opening round on even par. And there was no holding back on the penultimate day of action as he came out full of confidence.

McIlroy , which was 56 yards more than any of his rivals had managed.

The blockbuster star took just three shots on the first as he holed for a birdie before putting his eagle attempt on the par five second as he leapt ahead of Justin Rose at the summit.

He went on to birdie the third and fifth holes as he moved to 11 under.

Legendary swing coach Butch Harmon, who used to work with Tiger Woods, was on commentary duties to witness McIlroy at his best.

And the 81-year-old exclaimed: "Is this Disneyland or is this golf? This is the magic kingdom here. Anybody got a Valium?"

Harmon appears to be a big fan of McIlroy and even tipped the 35-year-old to win the tournament at the expense of defending champion Scottie Scheffler before the event got underway.

"I think because of the way that Scheffler and McIlroy have been playing, everybody's excited about them," Harmon told last week.

"If I had to give you a favourite, I would say I think it's Rory. That doesn't mean he's going to win, but I think on paper he's favoured to win.

"He played so well in Houston. He said that he had a few things that he has to tighten up - some of his iron play and stuff - but I think he's going to be fine. He seems to have the putter working.

"Everything is lined up. The stars are all lined up. The moon and everything that people talk about in the universe is lined up for Rory to win the Masters. Now, he has to go do it."

He added: "His game is completely ready to play. I think if he can relax and just play golf and let it happen, I think this could be the one that could get him over the hump."