Molinari's 69 betters odds of returning

Edoardo Molinari likely will not win the Masters Tournament, but his third round Saturday improved his chances of coming back next year.

Molinari shot 3-under-par 69 to move to 3-under for the tournament.

He's now in the mix to finish in the top 16, which would earn him an invitation back to the Masters next year.

"I think the first goal (Sunday) would be to make the top 16 to come back next year," he said.

The 30-year-old Italian started his day with a birdie at the par-5 second hole. He gave the stroke back with a bogey at No. 4 but made birdie again on the fifth hole.

After a string of pars, Molinari got on a roll of red numbers. On the par-3 12th hole, he stuck a 9-iron shot within three feet of the pin and tapped in for birdie.

He drew a 3-wood onto the green at the par-5 13th hole and two-putted for another birdie, then knocked down a 40-foot putt on No. 14 to move to 4-under.

"Unfortunately, I had the poor drive on 15, and I ended up making 6," he said. "Apart from that, it was a great round of golf."