Matthew Fitzpatrick finds course conditions easier

Matthew Fitzpatrick made the most of his early starting time in Saturday's third round of the Masters Tournament.

The 23-year-old from England teed off in the second group of the day with Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat and shot 5-under-par 67 to get back to even par for the tournament.

"Obviously it was nice to get out there and make a score, really," Fitzpatrick said.

The 67 matched his low round in the Masters in four appearances. He also shot 67 in the fourth round in 2016 en route to a tie for seventh place, his best finish in Augusta and in 11 appearances in majors.

"I just think the course was a little bit more there for the taking, really," Fitzpatrick said after it rained during the morning. "The greens were softer and I just felt like it was easier to get at a few flags maybe, just because you could stop it."

PHOTOS: Third Round Action at Augusta

The 2013 U.S. Amateur champion began the day on the cut line at 5-over 149 after rounds of 75-74 the first two days.

"I love it. I love the place, but I found it tough the first two days," Fitzpatrick said. "I've actually drove it brilliant all week, just not really hit the irons close, so I had a few longer irons than most people in and the flags are tucked and the greens are firm, so I think just the weather's just made it a fraction easier."

Fitzpatrick, who is tied for first in the tournament in driving accuracy at 85.7 percent, parred the first four holes before making a bogey on No. 5. After making par on No. 6, he birdied Nos. 7 and 8 and to make the turn in 35.

He shot 32 on the back nine, highlighted by an eagle on No. 15 after hitting a 3-wood to 11 feet of the hole.

"It was pretty much perfect," Fitzpatrick said of his second shot from 251 yards.

He also birdied Nos. 12 and 14.

"I think that it would have been nice to have picked up two more and sit in the clubhouse at under par," he said. "But I'm delighted with my round and glad that I got it in this morning."