Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

Locked into a five-way tie atop the leaderboard late in Sunday’s final round at the Masters, Francesco Molinari — the third-round leader — made a catastrophic error.

Looking at a wedge into the par-5 15th hole, he hit his third shot into a pine cone and watched in horror as his ball went into the water in front of the green.

It was the second time on Sunday that Molinari found the drink, too. After hitting it into the water on the 12th, he made a double-bogey earlier in the round. 

Molinari went on to double-bogey the 15th hole. 

Compounding this error, his final-round playing partner Tiger Woods, who entered the hole tied for the lead as well, hit a perfect second shot into the green and came away with a birdie after two putts.

That’s a three-shot swing late on Sunday in a major championship — likely spelling doom for Molinari.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Bears coach provides massive update on QB Caleb Williams' progress
Rookie camp sheds light on Patriots' efforts to develop Drake Maye
First game of 2024 NFL season features rematch between two AFC powerhouses
Bronny James receives medical clearance, expected to remain in draft
Nuggets teach Timberwolves it's never easy to knock out the champion
Panthers come from behind to take Game 4 vs. Bruins
Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery
Watch: Padres star passes father on all-time home runs list
Terrion Arnold honors his mother in a unique way
Brad Keselowski breaks 110-race winless streak at Darlington
Watch: Manchester United ties record, highlighting club's ineptitude
Celtics' Jrue Holiday praises overlooked aspect of Jayson Tatum's game
Arturs Silovs' 42 saves lead Canucks past Oilers in Game 3
Braves star leaves game early due to left side soreness
Pacers blow out Knicks on Mother’s Day, even series at 2-2
Hawks GM 'shocked' that his team won the NBA Draft Lottery
Prolific former Brewers, A's slugger announces retirement
Saints to sign veteran offensive lineman
Smother's Day: Pacers shut down Knicks in first half of Game 4
Flyers goaltender suspended from international play for three years

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.