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Australia’s world No.6 collected birdies on the second, sixth and eighth holes to offset his only bogey on the third.
(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Scheffler, though, has retained his overnight five-shot lead – and remains six clear of Smith – after surging to ten under in more challenging conditions on Saturday.
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Jumping out of the blocks with two birdies in his first three holes, Scheffler gave his pursuers a glimmer of hope when he bogeyed the fourth.
But another birdie on the sixth restored the world No.1’s commanding six-shot advantage.
Irishman Shane Lowry was the big early mover on so-called moving day, reaching the turn in three under for his round to be five under in his pursuit of a second major.
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Smith’s countryman Marc Leishman was among the few players to shoot under the card on a freezing day at Augusta.
A one-under 71 propelled Leishman into a share of 21st spot at three over.
“It was tough, cold,” Leishman said.
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“The greens quickened up overnight back to, I would say, Masters speed.
“I happened to play good, (had) a couple of three-putts, but putting was pretty difficult out there with the wind.
“I’m a lot happier today standing here than I was the last two afternoons after missing a lot of putts.”
(Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
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Min Woo Lee is one stroke further back after an even-par 72.
“It was a bit of a shock obviously. Weather hasn’t been this cold and then all off sudden to turns into a Scottish type of weather,” Lee said.
“It took us by a bit of surprise, but it actually kind of helped because on a normal day the ball is going further because you’re jacked up.
“Then with the coldness it kind of evened out. I’m happy that I can put my feet up now and have some lunch and chill out.”
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But fellow Masters debutant Cam Davis slumped to 11 over after a 79, while Adam Scott’s horror round of 80 left the former champion at 12 over and last among the 52 players who made the halfway cut.
