Masters 2026 Round 2: Top golfers fight for cut as weather shifts

Augusta, Georgia – April 10, 2026 – The Masters Tournament entered its second day with the field at Augusta National facing a reshuffled leaderboard and fluctuating conditions. As the Friday play progressed, Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy, who shared the first-round lead, navigated a competitive landscape where early frontrunners sought to solidify their positions while others battled to make the cut.

The critical juncture for many competitors arrived on Friday, as the tournament's established cut line began to take shape, determining who would advance to the weekend's final rounds. A total of 91 golfers began the week, but the tradition dictates that only the top 50 players and ties will proceed, leaving a significant portion of the field facing an early departure from the historic grounds. Players like Bubba Watson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm, who ended Thursday with scores over par, were among those with significant work to do to ensure their continued participation. Rahm, in particular, faced a considerable deficit after tying his personal worst score in a major during the opening round.

Early action on Friday saw Wyndham Clark making a strong bid to ascend the leaderboard, starting his second round with an aggressive pace. Reports indicate Clark, who had previously been agitated during interviews, was off to a "flyer" and found himself within the top 10 by the third hole. Other players, such as Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, were also in contention, with Scheffler positioned three shots off the initial lead. Broadcasts noted Schauffele’s tee time at 1:20 p.m., while Scheffler’s first round had already commenced.

Coverage of the second round spanned multiple platforms, with Amazon Prime Video airing games from 1 p.m. ET, followed by ESPN at 3 p.m. ET. For those seeking continuous updates, streaming options included the ESPN app, Fubo, and Masters.com. In the UK, Sky Sports Golf provided exclusive live coverage throughout the week.

The tournament, the opening major of the year, commenced on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Rory McIlroy entered as a defending title contender, alongside fellow pre-tournament favorites Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau. McIlroy and Sam Burns ultimately shared the first-round lead, both posting impressive scores to set the early pace.

Other notable first-round performances included Justin Rose, who finished his opening round at three-under par, despite a late stumble with a bogey on the 17th hole. Adam Scott, who seemed agitated throughout his round, managed an even-par 72. Meanwhile, some participants, like Scottie Scheffler, were only beginning their first rounds as Friday's play got underway. The tournament also saw familial participation, with one individual caddying for his son during the event.