Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia - October 4, 2026
The 90th Masters Tournament has commenced with Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns sharing the lead after the first round, both posting a score of five-under-par 67. Their performances place them at the top of a leaderboard that saw significant variation, with some notable players experiencing difficult starts.
Key Performances and Notable Moments
Rory McIlroy's defense of his title began strongly, as he matched Sam Burns' opening round score. This performance is particularly significant given McIlroy's dramatic victory last year, marking him as only the fourth player in history to potentially defend the Green Jacket.
Several players made impactful plays during the initial round:
Patrick Reed achieved a rare feat, becoming the second player in Masters history to eagle two of his first nine holes. He finished the day at three-under-par 69.
Justin Rose also moved up the standings with a birdie on the 13th hole, reaching four-under-par.
Haotong Li secured an unexpected birdie on the 13th hole, while Max Homa made a move with an eagle on the 8th.
Shane Lowry recorded a notable score with a hole-out eagle on the par-5 13th, placing him at three-under-par.
However, not all competitors found early success. Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm were among those who faced considerable challenges. DeChambeau, who cited issues with bunker conditions and hitting his shots farther than intended, finished his round at four-over-par 76. Rahm also struggled, ending the day at the same score.
Read More: Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns Lead Masters 2026 After Round 1
Broadcast and Viewing
For viewers in the United Kingdom, live coverage of the Masters is being broadcast on Sky Sports Golf. The first round began on Thursday, April 9, 2026, with coverage starting at 2 p.m. BST. However, full, uninterrupted viewing has been noted as a point of frustration, with specialized coverage like "Featured Holes/Amen Corner" available on Sky Sports+ at specific times throughout the tournament.
Background
The Masters Tournament, the first men's major golf championship of the year, officially teed off on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Augusta National Golf Club. The tournament marks the 90th edition of this prestigious event. Early tee times, with the first groups departing Augusta National at 12:40 p.m. BST, set the stage for the opening round.
