Rory McIlroy battled hard to card a superb 67 and take the overnight lead at five-under on the opening day of The Masters, joining Sam Burns atop the leaderboard, as the defending champion returns a year on from his stunning victory at Augusta.
McIlroy sensationally ended his long quest to win a green jacket when he completed the career Grand Slam a year ago, with the Northern Irishman now bidding to make more history by joining a select group of players to win back-to-back Masters.
The 36-year-old is now free from the burden and pressure of ending his major drought and is already primed for more success after making five birdies in the final 11 holes to turn a middling opening round into a superb one. A stacked field does still stand in his way – including world No 1 and 2024 Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, who is ominously lurking three shots back despite having a cold putter on day one.
The trio of Patrick Reed, Jason Day and Kurt Kitayama are the nearest challengers to McIlroy and Burns – sitting two strokes behind at -3 – while there are also a number of European green jacket hopefuls dotted in the upper echelons of the leaderboard, including last year’s runner-up Justin Rose (-2), Shane Lowry (-2), Tommy Fleetwood (-1) and Aaron Rai (-1).
Follow live updates from the first round of The Masters, below:
The Masters: Latest leaderboard and updates
- The Masters 2026 begins as Rory McIlroy returns as defending champion
- McIlroy cards an impressive opening round of 67 to take the joint overnight lead with Sam Burns at -5
- World No 1 Scottie Scheffler and last year's runner-up Justin Rose among a group at -2, three shots back
- REPORT: Familiarity breeds success for surging Rory McIlroy on Masters opening day
No LIV Golf player breaks par in round one of the Masters as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau struggle
10:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleNo LIV Golf player managed to break par in round one of the Masters as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau struggled on a bruising Thursday at Augusta National.
Sergio Garcia, who finished level par after a round of 72, was the breakaway Saudi-backed series’ best finisher after an opening 18 contested in tough conditions on firm and fast surfaces.
Rahm, the 2023 champion, and the big-hitting DeChambeau had been fancied by many to contend after encouraging form on LIV this year but could well find themselves battling to even make the cut.
No LIV player breaks par in round one of the Masters as Rahm and DeChambeau struggle
Robert MacIntyre faces reprimand after giving Masters the middle finger
09:36 , Jamie BraidwoodRobert MacIntyre is set for a Masters reprimand after sticking his middle finger up to the 15th hole during a nightmare opening round of +8 at Augusta National.
The Scot twice found the water on the final par-5, eventually carding a quadruple-bogey nine on the hole that may prove terminal to his chances of making the cut.
The 29-year-old raised his middle finger after his first approach to the green landed in the drink, and was also seen slamming his clubs into the fairway in frustration earlier in his round.
Robert MacIntyre faces reprimand after giving Masters the middle finger
Rory McIlroy 'kept swinging away' as he hails 'great start' to Masters
08:28 , Jamie Braidwood“I thought I would feel different but then I put my tee in the ground and my ball on the tee on the first hole and I felt the same nerves I always feel.
“I felt I settled into my round quickly. Wherever I hit it on this course I’ve seen it all over the past 18 years so I always think I can figure it out, get to the front of the green and find a par. I did that on the front nine.
“I was swinging freely even when I was missing tee shots on the front nine, I still kept swinging away, I didn’t get tentative, hoping sooner or later I’d find it and I did.
“It’s a great start, I’m right in the tournament and it’s a lot better than starting from seven behind going into the second round like I was last year.
“But I can’t get ahead of myself as there’s a long way to go but (I’m) feeling good where I’m at.”
Rory McIlroy cheered by ‘great start’ as he seeks back-to-back Masters victories
07:27 , Carl MarkhamDefending champion Rory McIlroy basked in the warm Georgia sunshine and the glory of his return to Augusta to lay down a marker in his bid for rare back-to-back Masters wins with a share of the first-round lead.
The Northern Irishman, seeking to become only the fourth man after Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Sir Nick Faldo to retain the green jacket, burst into life following a nondescript seven holes in which he struggled with his driving.
Rory McIlroy cheered by ‘great start’ as he seeks back-to-back Masters victories
The Masters 2026 second-round tee times and how to watch on TV
Friday 10 April 2026 00:55 , Luke BakerThe Masters is underway with defending champion Rory McIlroy in the box seat heading into day two after a superb opening round of 67, to hold the joint lead alongside Sam Burns at five-under.
McIlroy took a little while to warm up on the opening day but hit his straps in the second half of his round, making five birdies over the final 11 holes to immediately set himself up as the man to catch once again.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the second round:
The Masters 2026 second-round tee times and how to watch on TV
Familiarity breeds success for surging Rory McIlroy on Masters opening day
Friday 10 April 2026 00:45 , Ed Malyon at Augusta NationalSo much of the charm and success of The Masters is based around the consistency and familiarity of the tournament.
You turn on the television and you see those familiar vibrant green shades, the shimmering water on 12, the pinks and the creams of the blooming foliage. The course is the same every year, the traditions are the same every year, and you can throw tariffs, trade wars and the Strait of Hormuz at Augusta but sandwich prices will still be the same every year.
But as far as continuity goes, having last year’s winner, Rory McIlroy, tied for the lead after the first round of this year’s tournament at -5 might be a little bit much.
Perhaps time is simply a flat circle and we’re stuck in a seamless loop of Masters championships, unable to see where one ends and the next begins.
Or perhaps, just perhaps, he remains one of the best golfers on Earth, now experienced enough in tickling a ball around this verdant corner of northern Georgia to know the course well – and to be able to profit from those historic heartbreaks and failures.
Read Ed Malyon’s full report from Augusta:
Familiarity breeds success for surging Rory McIlroy on Masters opening day
Masters 2026: Scheffler and Woodland wrap it up
Friday 10 April 2026 00:24 , Luke BakerOne final tester on the 18th green for Scottie Scheffler but he rolls it in to card an opening round of 70. He was some good putting away from tying Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns at the top but instead is three shots back at -2.
Playing partner Gary Woodland will sign for a one-under 71 after a good display but the third member of that three-ball Bob MacIntyre shot a disastrous eight-over round of 80.
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (F), Burns (F); -3 Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F); -2 Scheffler (F ), Rose (F), Lowry (F), Schauffele (F)
Masters 2026: Frustrating finish for Rosey
Thursday 9 April 2026 23:55 , Luke BakerThat’s an irritating finish for Justin Rose, who adds a bogey at 18 to his one at 17. He drops for -4 to -2 in the blink of an eye and cards a round of 70. It’s a very good opening round but the Englishman will know it could have been so much better.
Brooks Koepka also bogeys 18 as he drops from -1 to Evens. A 72 for the five-time major champion who quietly went about his business today.
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (F), Burns (F); -3 Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F); -2 Scheffler (16), Rose (F), Lowry (F), Schauffele (F)
Masters 2026: Disaster for MacIntyre
Thursday 9 April 2026 23:33 , Luke BakerDisaster for Bob MacIntyre. He disintegrates at the 15th and cards a quadruple bogey nine. Ouch! The Scot is out to +7.
A bogey for Justin Rose at the 17th with a jabby putt not being holed. Back to -3. And he’s not the only one making mistakes with the flat stick...
Scottie Scheffler with a glorious birdie opportunity at 15 but the ball catches the right lip and spins out. He’s at -2 but if his putter was hot today he’d be up there with the leaders...
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (F), Burns (F); -3 Rose (17), Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F); -2 Scheffler (15), Lowry (F), Schauffele (F)
Masters 2026: Latest leaderboard
Thursday 9 April 2026 23:29 , Luke BakerInto the closing stages of the opening round at Augusta.
Leaderboard:
-5 McIlroy (F), Burns (F);
-4 Rose (16);
-3 Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F);
-2 Scheffler (14), Woodland (14), Lowry (F), Schauffele (F)
-1 Koepka (17), Griffin (16), English (14), Fleetwood (F), Li (F), Taylor (F), Campbell (F), Rai (F), Bridgeman (F)
Masters 2026: Debutant Bridgeman with a grandstand finish
Thursday 9 April 2026 23:08 , Luke BakerGenesis Invitational winner Jacob Bridgeman finishes with a flourish as he chips in from off the green for birdie on the 18th. That takes him to -1, a round of 71 and a tie for 11th - very impressive from the debutant.
Meanwhile, Justin Rose does what he has all day and takes advantage of the par fives! Four par fives, four birdies for last year’s runner-up as he makes a four at the 15th. Back up to -4, one shot off the lead...
But it’s the old problem for Scottie Scheffler - a glorious approach shot on the 14th but the putter lets him down and a birdie chance goes begging. He stays at -2.
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (F), Burns (F); -4 Rose (15); -3 Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F); -2 Scheffler (14), Woodland (14), Lowry (F), Schauffele (F)
Masters 2026: Tough scoring at Augusta
Thursday 9 April 2026 22:48 , Luke BakerScoring has definitely slowed this evening and even the previously flawless Justin Rose has a first blemish on the scorecard with a bogey at 14.
Aaron Rai and Jordan Spieth both drop from -2 to -1 as well. There are currently just 17 players under par, so anything in the red is a great effort.
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (F), Burns (F); -3 Rose (14), Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F); -2 Scheffler (13), Woodland (13), Lowry (F), Schauffele (F)
Masters 2026: It's fallen apart for Freddie
Thursday 9 April 2026 22:34 , Luke BakerAh, poor Fred Couples. The ever-popular 66-year-old former champion was rolling back the years and sat at -2 after 14 holes. Then it all fell apart...
He quadruple bogeyed the 15th, then added doubles on 16 and 17 to fall to +6. Heartbreaking and his chances of making the cut just dropped massively.
WATCH: All of Rory McIlroy's birdies
Thursday 9 April 2026 22:28 , Luke BakerHere’s a handy compilation of all of Rory McIlroy’s birdies today. What an opening round for the defending champ
All of Rory McIlroy's birdies in his first round at The Masters! ⛳ pic.twitter.com/fg6nt3iBlS
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) April 9, 2026
Masters 2026: Rose moves within one
Thursday 9 April 2026 22:24 , Luke BakerJustin Rose has been cool, calm and composed today and now he’s only a shot behind the leaders. A fourth birdie of the day (with no bogeys), this time at the 13th, and he’s birdied all three of the par fives. It’s a recipe for Masters success.
Can he catch McIlroy and Burns over the final five holes?
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (F), Burns (F); -4: Rose (13); -3 Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F);
Masters 2026: Scheffler drops back
Thursday 9 April 2026 22:07 , Luke BakerA rare iron error for Scottie Scheffler around Amen Corner, as he’s in A1 position after his tee shot but his approach leaks right and rolls off the green. He can only pitch to 17 feet and his putt comes up short. That’s a bogey and back to -2.
It’s looking more and more likely that McIlroy and Burns will lead overnight.
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (F), Burns (F); -3: Rose (12), Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F);
Masters 2026: Rose ready to attack the 13th
Thursday 9 April 2026 21:57 , Luke BakerJustin Rose safely across the water and on to the 12th green before a nice two putt for another par around Amen Corner to stay at -3. Can he find a birdie at the par-five 13th?
There’s an interesting, major-winner-laden group at -2 by the way. Gary Woodland bogeyed the 10th to drop for -3, while Jordan Spieth and Aaron Rai are also lurking there. Plus Shane Lowry and Xander Schauffele are in the clubhouse with their 70s.
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (F), Burns (F); -3: Scheffler (10), Rose (12), Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F);
Masters 2026: Big names positioning themselves
Thursday 9 April 2026 21:28 , Luke BakerPars all round for Scottie Scheffler, Gary Woodland and Justin Rose as they all stay at -3. Who will make a move on the back nine to potentially join McIlroy and Burns?
Adam Scott was going along nicely at -1 but he finds the water at 14... The perils of Augusta.
An update on a couple of players in the wrong part of the leaderboard. Bob MacIntyre double bogeys the 9th to drop to +3 and Jon Rahm is having a horror show at +4
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (F), Burns (F); -3: Scheffler (9), Rose (10), Woodland (9), Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F);
Rory McIlroy: 'I felt the same nerves I always feel'
Thursday 9 April 2026 21:16 , Luke BakerA good day’s work for Rory McIlroy as he carded a five-under round of 67 and is in the joint lead with Sam Burns.
Here’s what McIlroy had to say to Sky Sports after that round:
Did it feel different as defending champion? “I thought I would feel different but I felt same nerves I always feel,” said McIlroy.
“It's the first major of the year, you always want to get off to a good start, so I'm glad I felt that way.If I didn't feel that way, something would be wrong.
“I feel like I settled into the round really nicely and really quickly. I kept saying all week, there’s a certain freedom. If I go hit it in the trees, it's ok. I'll go figure it out.
“Wherever I hit it on this golf course, I've seen it all over the past 18 years, so I feel like I can figure it out, get it to the front of the green, make a par and move on. I did that quite a lot on the front nine today, then I found my game on the back.
“I swung freely even when missing tee shots on the front nine. I kept swinging away, hoping sooner or later I'd find it and I did. I strung some good swings together from 8th hole and from then, I played some really good golf.
“It's a great start but there’s a long way to go. I'm right in the tournament and it's a lot better than being seven behind going into the second round like last year. A great start but I can't get ahead of myself. There's a long way to go but feeling good with where I'm at.”
Masters 2026: Scheffler squanders golden chance to move to -4
Thursday 9 April 2026 21:06 , Luke BakerA bit of a mistake from Scottie Scheffler (-3). The world No 1 has an outside chance of an eagle at the par-five 8th after two great shots but only leaves with a par. His eagle attempt is short and his birdie attempt then lips out, much to his frustration. He stays two back at-3.
No such mistake for Gary Woodland, who recovered from a brain tumour to win a PGA Tour event again recently. Playing alongside Scheffler, he does birdie the 8th and joins Scottie at -3.
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (F), Burns (F); -3: Scheffler (8), Rose (9), Woodland (8), Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F);
Masters 2026: McIlroy in with a 67
Thursday 9 April 2026 20:57 , Luke BakerRory McIlroy gives his birdie putt at 18 an ok-ish run but it’s never going in. A simple par and that confirms an opening round of 67. Five under par and a share of the lead with Sam Burns. Very impressive from the defending champion.
Frankly, he didn’t have his best golf today but knuckled down and still left with a 67. Five birdies in the final 11 holes and he’ll be very pleased with his day’s work.
Ludvig Aberg and Aaron Rai have both dropped a shot to fall from -3 to -2.
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (F), Burns (F); -3: Scheffler (7), Rose (9), Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F);
Masters 2026: McIlroy with a decent recovery
Thursday 9 April 2026 20:46 , Luke BakerSolid enough from the fairway bunker by Rory McIlroy - heart of the 18th green and he should safely two-putt to get into the clubhouse with a 67.
WATCH: Nicolai Hojgaard holes out from across the water
Thursday 9 April 2026 20:41 , Luke BakerA remarkable shot by Ryder Cup star Nicolai Hojgaard as he holes out for eagle at the 13th from across the water! Takes him from +3 to +1 for the tournament
Nicolai Højgaard holes out from across the water for eagle. #themasters pic.twitter.com/C4ieXYPdCL
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2026
Masters 2026: Rose rising
Thursday 9 April 2026 20:38 , Luke BakerWould there be a more popular Masters winner than Justin Rose? He’d certainly be up there after his near miss in the play-off last year and his classy reaction in defeat.
He’s going very, very nicely so far. Looking controlled, giving himself birdie looks at almost every hole and notches a third of the day at the 8th. Into that growing group at -3, in a tie for third.
Rory McIlroy heads to 18 - a hole he became very familiar with last year... One more birdie to finish? Hmmm, perhaps not - he drives the ball 312 yards but into a fairway bunker. He’s still got 150 or so to the pin. Par now would be fine.
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (17), Burns (F); -3: Scheffler (6), Rose (8), Aberg (8), Rai (10), Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F);
Masters 2026: McIlroy narrowly misses birdie
Thursday 9 April 2026 20:32 , Luke BakerRory McIlroy (-5) with an impressive two putt for par at the 16th and now has a decent birdie look at 17 after finding the fairway and then producing a lovely approach shot. He’ll have 15 feet or so for the solo lead... Gives it a good run but just stays left.
Just wrapping up a few players who have finished their rounds - Shane Lowry (-2) in the clubhouse with a 70, Max Homa (E) and Keegan Bradley (E) card 72s, Dustin Johnson (+1) a 73 and Matt Fitzpatrick (+2) endures a disaster at the 18th - double bogeying to turn a 72 into a 74... Although Bryson DeChambeau (+4) is in worse shape with a 76.
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (17), Burns (F); -3: Scheffler (6), Aberg (8), Rai (10), Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F);
Masters 2026: Fleetwood and Reed finish up
Thursday 9 April 2026 20:17 , Luke BakerTommy Fleetwood (71) on the 18th and his par putt stays high. The likeable Englishman drops his head in disappointment. It’s a perfectly serviceable one-under round of 71 but he was at -4 at the turn before falling away. Still, he’s in the red.
Patrick Reed (69) pulls off a remarkable sand save at 18 to card a 69 and he’s just two shots off the lead. Solid from the 2018 champions.
Things are not going well for 2023 champion Jon Rahm (+3) though. He’s into the trees off the seventh tee and his ball is eventually stopped by a patron’s bag. He’s forced to bail out into the greenside bunker and does splash out to 10 feet before draining the par putt.
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (16), Burns (F); -3: Scheffler (5), Aberg (7), Rai (9), Reed (F), Day (F), Kitayama (F);
Masters 2026: Rory McIlroy into share of the lead!
Thursday 9 April 2026 20:05 , Luke BakerRory McIlroy is flying! The defending champion is on a tear and now has a share of the lead at the 2026 Masters! A third straight birdie comes at the 15th and it’s an incredible effort.
He was in all sorts of trouble off the tee, in the rough, and had to squeeze through a gap just to lay up at the par five... He can only pitch his third to 30 feet away but then trickles an arcing left-to-right putt down the hill and it rattles into the cup. A fist pump from the Northern Irishman. He joins Sam Burns at -5 and has three holes left to overhaul him.
Leaderboard: -5 McIlroy (15), Burns (F); -3: Scheffler (4), Reed (17), Aberg (7), Rai (8), Day (F), Kitayama (F);
Sam Burns reflects on opening round
Thursday 9 April 2026 19:58 , Luke BakerA very impressive opening round of 67 for Sam Burns and he currently leads the Masters at -5. Here’s what he had to say to Sky Sports after his round.
On his early eagle at the 2nd hole: “It's a hole you want to play under par for the week. After the tee shot, I had a really good number, executed my second shot well and it was a nice jumpstart to the round.”
What went well today? “Nothing really particular. It’s hard to drive the ball here, you need to be in the fairway because there are some spots off the tee that leave it tough into the green. That’s the main thing. I was more patient into the green, to give myself opportunities and was able to do that today.”
“It was perfect conditions. The golf course was in unbelievable condition as we’ve come to expect here. With the forecast, no rain and lots of sunshine, it’s only going to get firmer and faster and will be a really good test.”
Masters 2026: McIlroy and Scheffler on the charge.
Thursday 9 April 2026 19:46 , Luke BakerThe big dogs have come to play at Augusta today! All we’ve got is the world No 1 and world No 2 on the charge.
Rory McIlroy (-4) goes back-to-back as he birdies 14 to move within a shot of the lead and he’ll have a look at eagle on 15 after finding the green in two... And Scottie Scheffler follows his eagle at 2 with a birdie at 3. Scottie is casually three-under through three.
Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry both see shots slips away as they go back to -2. Meanwhile, Sam Burns finishes up on 18 and cards a 67 - that could well be leading overnight, we shall see.
Leaderboard: -5 Burns (F); -4 McIlroy (14); -3: Scheffler (4), Reed (16), Aberg (6), Day (17), Rai (7), Kitayama (F);
Masters 2026: McIlroy joins the club at -3
Thursday 9 April 2026 19:30 , Luke BakerRory McIlroy is only two shots off the lead and this is shaping up to be his lowest opening round at the Masters for years. He hasn’t shot lower than 71 in his last seven first rounds at Augusta, remember.
Leaves himself 15 feet for birdie at 13 and the ball lips round the edge of the hole but drops! Fist pump from the Northern Irishman as he climbs to -3.
After his water excursion at 15, Patrick Reed drops a shot to go to -3, so McIlroy is suddenly T2...
Leaderboard: -5 Burns (17); -3 McIlroy (12), Reed (15), Lowry (16), Fleetwood (14), Day (16), Rai (6), Kitayama (F);
WATCH: Shane Lowry holes out for eagle
Thursday 9 April 2026 19:23 , Luke BakerHere’s Shane Lowry’s chip-in for eagle earlier today. It’s put the Irishman bang in contention
SHANE LOWRY EAGLE! 🚨🦅 pic.twitter.com/Q05ZELNwzn
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) April 9, 2026
Masters 2026: Scottie Scheffler makes eagle in flying start
Thursday 9 April 2026 19:19 , Luke BakerDream start for the world No 1 and tournament favourite Scottie Scheffler as he takes full advantage of the par-five 2nd. On the green in two and sinks the eagle putt. Immediately jumps up to -2!
Another former world No 1 is also making moves as genial Aussie Jason Day (-3) produces a stunning tee shot at 16 to within a couple of feet and a kick-in birdie. Just two strokes behind Burns now
Leaderboard: -5 Burns (17); -4 Reed (14); -3 Lowry (15), Fleetwood (14), Day (16), Rai (6), Kitayama (F);
Masters 2026: Aberg and Rose off to fast starts as Reed in the water
Thursday 9 April 2026 19:18 , Luke BakerWe’ve been focussing on the early starters as they reach the business end of their rounds but the evening crew are also up and running, with Ludvig Aberg (-2) and last year’s runner-up Justin Rose (-2) particularly off to nice starts - two birdies apiece in the opening few holes.
But it’s DISASTER for Patrick Reed. Goes for the green at the par-five 15th in two, twirls the club because he thinks it’s perfect but it bounds through the green, keeps on running and somehow trickles into a little pond in front of the 16th tee! I’m no sure I’ve ever seen someone go in there, it’s not a regular Augusta water hazard - where will he drop from?
This has been solid golf from Sam Burns. Safely on the 17th green in two and his first putt isn’t great but tidies up for par.
Leaderboard: -5 Burns (17); -4 Reed (14); -3 Lowry (15), Fleetwood (14), Rai (6), Kitayama (F);
Masters 2026: McIlroy scrambles successfully
Thursday 9 April 2026 19:04 , Luke BakerRory McIlroy (-2) is a shade errant with his tee shot at 12 but luckily the ball just rolls back down from the flowerbed, leaving him a putt from the fringe. Nice bump and run and he should escape with a par.
Tommy Fleetwood has been faltering but drains a tricky downhill birdie putt to move back to -3 at 14 and he’s joined by Xander Schauffele after another for him at 13.
Patrick Reed (-4) watches in horror as his ball rolls off the green at 14 and could drop a shot... But no! Stunning chip to within a foot and he saves par.
Meanwhile Brooks Koepka (E) - all rippling biceps in his fetching teal top - with a gorgeous pitch to leave himself a kick-in birdie at the 2nd to cancel out his bogey at the 1st, while Sam Burns scrambles a par at 16 to stay at -5.
Leaderboard: -5 Burns (16); -4 Reed (14); -3 Lowry (14), Fleetwood (14), Schauffele (13), Rai (5), Kitayama (F);
Masters 2026: Scheffler underway as Burns on fire
Thursday 9 April 2026 18:54 , Luke BakerTournament favourite Scottie Scheffler is underway in the penultimate group of the day, playing alongside Scotland’s finest Bob MacIntyre and heartwarming story Gary Woodland, who has recovered from a brain tumour to become a PGA Tour winner once more.
Meanwhile, further up the course Sam Burns is on fire and he birdies the 15th to move to -5 and into the solo lead. Can he see out the round for a truly spectacular start to his Masters?
Leaderboard: -5 Burns (15); -4 Reed (13); -3 Lowry (14), Rai (5), Kitayama (17); -2 McIlroy (11), Fleetwood (13), Schauffele (12), Day (14), Taylor (14), Couples (5)
Masters 2026: Aaron Rai impressing
Thursday 9 April 2026 18:35 , Luke BakerPar-three champion Aaron Rai is off to a flyer in the tournament proper, sinking a lengthy birdie at 4 - his third int he opening quartet of holes to join the group at -3. The Englishman will try to end the longstanding curse of no par-three winner going on to claim the green jacket in the same year.
Masters 2026: Here comes Shane Lowry!
Thursday 9 April 2026 18:33 , Luke BakerIt’s been an up-and-down day for Shane Lowry but here comes the up! He was at -2 through three holes, fell back to +1 but is now surging again and has just holed out for eagle at the par-five 13th to climb to -3, just a shot off the lead! Lowry is 99 yards away, flicks a wedge, it takes three bounces and plops in the hole!
Tommy Fleetwood is heading in the other direction though, bogeying the 10th and 12th to drop to -2, while Patrick Reed gets up and down out of the sand at 12 to stay at -4, alongside Sam Burns.
Bad start for Jon Rahm, whose par putt at the 1st stays left, so it’s an immediate bogey
Leaderboard: -4 Reed (12), Burns (14); -3 Lowry (13), Rai (4); -2 Kitayama (16), Taylor (14), Day (13), Fleetwood (12), Schauffele (11), McIlroy (10), Couples (4)
Masters 2026: Jon Rahm underway
Thursday 9 April 2026 18:23 , Luke BakerThe evening’s big-hitters are starting to get underway with Jon Rahm first up, trying to win a second green jacket this week. He’s alongside Ludvig Aberg and Chris Gotterup as they tee off on the 1st.
Rory McIlroy has tidied up his birdie on 9, so move to -2, just two shots back, after the front nine. Pretty good bearing in mind he hasn’t been at his best yet. Very promising
Masters 2026: Watch out for Xander Schauffele
Thursday 9 April 2026 18:15 , Luke BakerXander Schauffele is a classy operator - two-time major winner and five-time top-ten finisher at Augusta. He’ll fancy his chances this week and he’s moving very nicely. Rolls in a birdie from 10 feet on the 10th - a third birdie of the day, to go with one bogey and he’s at -2.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy has found his groove and sticks a wedge at 9 all over the flag. Great look at birdie.
And we have a new joint leader! Sam Burns lays up with his second shot at the par-five 13tha nd it pays dividends as he gets up and down for birdie. Patrick Reed has company.
Leaderboard: -4 Reed (10), Burns (13); -3 Reitan (14), Fleetwood (10); -2 Taylor (12), Bhatia (10), Schauffele (10), Harman (3), Couples (2), Rai (2)
WATCH: Patrick Reed's second eagle of the day
Thursday 9 April 2026 18:00 , Luke BakerHere’s that monster eagle from our leader, Patrick Reed, a little earlier
With this putt on No. 8, Patrick Reed becomes the second player in Masters history to eagle two of his first nine holes of the Tournament. #themasters pic.twitter.com/YbVVPqmALW
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2026
Masters 2026: Reed and Fleetwood falter
Thursday 9 April 2026 17:58 , Luke BakerHow will the two men at the top fare around Amen Corner? The back nine is off to an inauspicious start for both Patrick Reed and Tommy Fleetwood as they bogey the 10th. Reed to -4, though still the sole leader, with Fleetwood dropping to a group at -3.
A group that now includes a Norwegian - but not Viktor Hovland. DP World Tour regular Kristoffer Reitan has come out of nowhere with a birdie at 12 and then an eagle at 13! Finds the cup from the fringe after reaching the green in two. Sam Burns also at -3 after birdieing the 12th.
Leaderboard: -4 Reed (10); -3 Reitan (13), Burns (12) Fleetwood (10); -2 Taylor (12), Bhatia (10), Harman (2), Couples (2)
Masters 2026: McIlroy making a move
Thursday 9 April 2026 17:53 , Luke BakerRory McIlroy has been quietly chugging along - four straight pars after his bogey at 3 (which followed a birdie at 2). But this is a glorious opportunity at the par-five 8th.
He finds the green in two, his second shot bounding on nicely to 25 feet, although the eagle putt is far too tentative... Has left himself X feet for the bird...
It’s there! Good recovery, finds the heart of the cup and the defending champion, who hasn’t looked at his sharpest so far, moves to -1. Solid.
Leaderboard: -5 Reed (9); -4 Fleetwood (9); -3 Burns (12); -2 Taylor (11), Bhatia (10), Harman (2), Couples (2)
Masters 2026: Haotong Li the clubhouse leader
Thursday 9 April 2026 17:44 , Luke BakerHe is the first man into the clubhouse, so of course he’s the clubhouse leader, but it’s actually a decent mark from Haotong Li. The Chinese star posts a one-under round of 71, with an eagle at 15 the highlight - there won’t be loads of players under par today.
Leaderboard: -5 Reed (9); -4 Fleetwood (9); -2 Burns (11), Taylor (10), Bhatia (9), Stevens (6), Campbell (5)
Masters 2026: Tommy Fleetwood moves within one!
Thursday 9 April 2026 17:36 , Luke BakerHello Tommy Fleetwood! He and Patrick Reed seem to be spurring each other on today. Fleetwood responds to Reed’s eagle at the 8th with a birdie at 9, hitting his approach to 13 feet and draining the right-to-left putt. He’s at -4, one stroke behind Reed at -5. Those two playing partners head everyone else at this Masters.
Ooof, Cameron Young is having an absolute disaster. The Players’ Championship watches another putt rattle by the hole at the 7th, a third straight bogey and he’s now at +4 for the championship. He was quite fancied to go well this week but his green jacket chances are already gone - nine shots back from the lead.
Bryson DeChambeau (E) hasn’t managed to find a putt today and his latest frustration is an eight-footer for birdie staying high. Jose Maria Olazabal’s fairytale is also turning sour as two bogeys and a double in three holes have taken him from -2 to +2.
Leaderboard: -5 Reed (9); -4 Fleetwood (9); -2 Burns (11), Taylor (10), Bhatia (9), Stevens (6), Campbell (5)
Upcoming tee times
Thursday 9 April 2026 17:27 , Luke BakerIt might feel like we’ve only just started today but there are only around eight groups left to begin their first rounds now.
Here are the highlights for the next 90 minutes or so as all players will be on the course by 7pm BST. Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose, Brooks Koepka... It’s going to be box office!
Upcoming Masters tee times (all times BST)
17:56 JJ Spaun (US), Maverick McNealy (US), Tyrrell Hatton (Eng)
18:08 Jon Rahm (Spa), Chris Gotterup (US), Ludvig Aberg (Swe)
18:20 Jordan Spieth (US), Justin Rose (Eng), Brooks Koepka (US)
18:32 Sepp Straka (Aut), Ben Griffin (US), Justin Thomas (US)
18:44 Scottie Scheffler (US), Robert MacIntyre (Sco), Gary Woodland (US)
Masters 2026: Patrick Reed makes eagle to surge clear!
Thursday 9 April 2026 17:20 , Luke BakerWOW, WOW, WOW! Patrick Reed is absolutely flying and that’s his biggest moment yet. An eagle at the par-five 8th to climb to -5 for the tournament! That’s two shots clear of the field...
The 2018 green jacket winner bounces his second shot on to the green but he’s got the best part of 60 feet remaining. No matter! His lengthy eagle putt races towards the hole and rattles into the heart of the cup to huge roars from the crowd. Incredible!
Playing partner Tommy Fleetwood can only make par to stay at -3 and now trails Reed by two!
Leaderboard: -5 Reed (8); -3 Kitamaya (11), Fleetwood (8)
Masters 2026: McIlroy battling at Augusta
Thursday 9 April 2026 17:14 , Luke BakerIt’s not been all plain sailing for Rory McIlroy so far and he’s battling again at the 6th. He’s off the back of the green with his tee shot but gets up and down well to scramble par.
Meanwhile, Kurt Kitayama’s spell at the top doesn’t last long as he drops a shot at the 11th to move back to -3. Brian Campbell is also at three-under with birdies on each of the first three holes - what a start!
Leaderboard: -3 Kitamaya (11), Reed (7), Fleetwood (7), Campbell (3); -2 Burns (10), Bhatia (8)
Masters 2026: Kurt Kitayama the new solo leader
Thursday 9 April 2026 16:54 , Luke BakerKurt Kitayama is showing no signs of slowing down and he birdies the 10th to move into the solo lead at -4! He leathers his drive down the fairway, floats an iron to six feet and rolls in the birdie.
Viktor Hovland is down his latest swing rabbit hole at the moment and won’t feel any better after double bogeying the 3rd hole to fall to +2.
Leaderboard: -4 Kitamaya (10); -3 Reed (7), Fleetwood (7); -2 Olazabal (13), Burns (9), Campbell (2)
Masters 2026: Kitayama joins the party at the top
Thursday 9 April 2026 16:37 , Luke BakerKurt Kitayama is quietly trucking today and the 33-year-old American has joined Patrick Reed and Tommy Fleetwood atop the leaderboard.
On the 9th he makes birdie, his third in four holes, to climb to -3. A couple of groups behind, Sam Burns takes advantage of the par-five 8th with a birdie to join veteran Jose Maria Olazabal at -2. There are birdies to be had on this front nine.
Leaderboard: -3 Reed (6), Fleetwood (6), Kitamaya (9); -2 Olazabal (12), Burns (8)
WATCH: McIlroy underway at Augusta
Thursday 9 April 2026 16:29 , Luke BakerHere’s the moment defending champion Rory McIlroy began his title defence at Augusta.
McIlroy has bogeyed the 3rd, with his par putt hanging on the left edge of hole, to give back that birdie he secured at the 2nd. Rory gives it the full 10 seconds to drop but no dice! How has that clung on? Back to evens for the Northern Irishman.
Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood with a nerveless par putt from eight feet at the 5th. Calmly sent into the heart of the cup - those pars are just as important as birdies at Augusta.
Leaderboard: -3 Reed (5), Fleetwood (5); -2 Olazabal (12), Kitamaya (8), Bhatia (4)
Rory McIlroy begins his first round of The Masters! 🌺 pic.twitter.com/Xs6Uw8Ty0v
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) April 9, 2026
How can I watch The Masters 2026?
Thursday 9 April 2026 16:21 , Luke BakerA reminder how you can watch all today’s action.
Fans in the UK can watch The Masters on Sky Sports, with coverage now underway.
Featured Group action and updates around the course are available on Sky Sports Golf until 6pm BST, when the global broadcast window opens up. That time is brought forward at the weekend, for rounds three and four, at 5pm BST.
Sky Sports+ will have live coverage of the Featured Holes/Amen Corner from 3:45pm BST on Thursday and Friday, 5pm BST on Saturday and 4:45pm BST on Sunday.
Fans can subscribe to Sky, or use Now TV with a day or month pass.
Masters 2026: McIlroy makes birdie
Thursday 9 April 2026 16:14 , Luke BakerA first birdie of the 2026 Masters for the defending champion as Rory McIlroy recovered from landing in among the patrons to play a precise third shot and roll in his birdie at the par-five 2nd. Nicely up to -1 thru two.
Playing partner Cam Young is finding it tougher going though. He’s fancied by many this week after winning the Players’ Championship but bogeyed the 1st and has to dig out a gutsy par putt at 2. You’ve got to take advantage of the par-fives at Augusta and 5-5 isn’t the start Young would have wanted.
Leaderboard: -3 Reed (4), Fleetwood (4); -2 Olazabal (11), Kitamaya (8), Bhatia (4)
Masters 2026: Tommy Fleetwood on a roll!
Thursday 9 April 2026 16:05 , Jamie BraidwoodThree birdies in a row for Tommy Fleetwood and he joins Patrick Reed at the top of the leaderboard with a fine two at the par-3 fourth! That was a lovely downhill putt for Fleetwood, and it rolled straight in with plenty of pace.
But there’s trouble behind for Matt Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy after sending their drives wayward. Fitzpatrick comes away with bogey at the third after ending up in a horrible hole below the green, although Bryson DeChambeau has made up a shot with birdie.
McIlroy, a group behind, was out of position after sending his drive down the right of the second. And he’s put his approach from the pine straw among the patrons...
Leaderboard: -3 Reed (4), Fleetwood (4); -2 Olazabal (10), Kitamaya (7), Bhatia (4)
Masters 2026: Tommy Fleetwood makes a fine start
Thursday 9 April 2026 15:55 , Jamie BraidwoodTommy Fleetwood swaps places with Shane Lowry and Sam Burns, the Englishman adding his second birdie of the day at the par-four third. Lowry drops a couple of shots with a double-bogey on the opening par three. That’s a nasty three-putt.
Rory McIlroy, at the first, rolls in a steady six-footer for par. That wasn’t easy, but his Masters is off and running. The former champion has, though, sent another drive into the trees.
Leaderboard: -3 Reed (3); -2 Olazabal (9), Kitamaya (6), Fleetwood (3)
Masters 2026: Bryson DeChambeau in early trouble
Thursday 9 April 2026 15:45 , Jamie BraidwoodThere’s scoring to be had on the par-5 second: we’ve already seen eagles for Patrick Reed and Sam Burns, and birdies for Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry.
But Bryson DeChambeau groans “oh no” as he sends his booming drive so far left that it disappears from sight - the American is forced to take a penalty drop.
Chipping into the breeze, DeChambeau’s pitch down the slope ends up high on the green and still a good way off from the hole. So that will be a bogey-six on the opening par-5 for DeChambeau.
Leaderboard: -3 Reed (2); -2 Olazabal (9), Burns (5), Lowry (3)
McIlroy underway at the Masters - and a new leader!
Thursday 9 April 2026 15:36 , Jamie BraidwoodHere we go again. A year on from that incredible final day at Augusta, Rory McIlroy returns as Masters champion and gets his opening round underway. Bidding to become just the fourth man to win back-to-back Masters, McIlroy sends his first shot off the week towards the left of the fairway. He leans and winces as it rolls towards the pine straw.
Patrick Reed, meanwhile, has eagled the par-5 second to take the outright lead. It’s still correct to say that there’s a former champion leading the way, as Jose Maria Olazabal is knocked off.
Leaderboard: -3 Reed (2); -2 Olazabal (8), Burns (4), Lowry (2)
Shane Lowry joins Olazabal and Burns in the lead
Thursday 9 April 2026 15:26 , Jamie BraidwoodTwo played, two under for Shane Lowry. Is he out to keep the Green Jacket in Irish hands? He’s picking up where Rory McIlroy left off, at least.
Matt Fitzpatrick was scrambling to make his par on the first after driving into the trees - but manages. Bryson DeChambeau has a look at opening birdie, but rolls wide.
There are also early birdies for former Masters champions Patrick Reed and Dustin Johnson.
Leaderboard: -2 Olazabal (8), Burns (4), Lowry (2)
Rory McIlroy ahead of Masters defence: 'It's business again'
Thursday 9 April 2026 15:19 , Jamie BraidwoodMasters champion Rory McIlroy speaking before the start of his title defence.
“It has felt very different this week. But it’s the morning of a tournament and those same feelings come back. You’re nervous, you’re anxious. It’s a new golf tournament and it’s business again. I want to get off to a good start.
“For me, I want to stay patient on the front nine. It can play difficult. You want to be under-par through three, but if you’re not, it’s ok. I stayed patient on the front nine last year and I was rewarded on the Saturday. I want to play my way into the round.”
Tee time: 3:31pm.
What Bryson DeChambeau said about Rory McIlroy ahead of this year's Masters
Thursday 9 April 2026 15:07 , Jamie Braidwood"It's great if we can continue to have a rivalry. I don't see any problem with that.
"If anything, it kind of helps create more buzz around the game of golf. Do I respect him as an individual? One hundred per cent.
"Do I want to beat him every time I see him? Absolutely. There's no question about it.
"But I think that's what's so brilliant about the game of golf is that juxtaposition, having that sportsmanlike respect and then wanting to just absolutely beat the living you know what out of him.
"It's one of those things like I got him at Pinehurst, he got me here, and I hope there's more of those to come because it's great for the game."
Masters 2026: Olazabal joined in the lead by Sam Burns
Thursday 9 April 2026 15:07 , Jamie BraidwoodJose Maria Olazabal continues to tick along nicely - five pars in a row as he negotiates Augusta with all the calm and experience of a two-time champion to remain in the lead of the Masters at -2 (through seven).
There are plenty of players up and away now. Shane Lowry has birdied the first, while Max Homa has eagled the par-5 eighth. There’s an eagle, too, at the par-5 second for Sam Burns due to a stunning approach.
He joins the 60-year-old Olazabal on -2.
Masters 2026: A horrendous start for Carlos Ortiz
Thursday 9 April 2026 14:22 , Jamie BraidwoodI think you could file Carlos Ortiz’s first five holds of this year’s Masters under a ‘nightmare start’.
The Mexican is +7 through five, having made bogey, double bogey, bogey, bogey and double bogey.
🫣
Olazabal leads - despite admitting he can 'barely reach' greens
Thursday 9 April 2026 14:16 , Jamie BraidwoodTwo-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal admitted his week that he struggles to reach some of the par-fours in two shots at Augusta, giving how long the course is now playing.
The 60-year-old said: “I'm getting used to the golf course playing extremely long for me. There are certain holes that I barely reach the green in 2 - No 5 is a good example of that, No 11 is another one.”
But the Spaniard also said he was going to “enjoy it as much as I can” and he is certainly living up to his word: he remains -2 through four.
Masters 2026: Birdies for former champions
Thursday 9 April 2026 13:57 , Jamie BraidwoodFormer Masters champions Jose Maria Olazabal, 60, and Angel Cabrera, 56, wind back time by making birdie at the par-5 second. In fact, Olazabal has gone one better by also making birdie at the third.
Cabrera, the 2009 champion, returned to the Masters last year for the first time since he served a 30-month prison sentence for domestic abuse.
The Argentine remains eligible to attend the champions’ dinner and play in the tournament as a former winner of the green jacket.
Olazabal, champion in 1994 and 1999, leads on -2.
Masters 2026: Upcoming tee-times
Thursday 9 April 2026 13:45 , Jamie BraidwoodTwo-time Masters champion Bubba Watson (2012, 2014) gets underway before former Open champion and Masters runner-up Cam Smith. Keegan Bradley will be back at Augusta, too, following the disaster that was captaining the US Ryder Cup team last September.
Then we get to the start of the big guns - more former champion in Dustin Johnson (2020) and Patrick Reed (2018), as well as a couple of European favourites in Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood.
13:50 Kurt Kitayama (US), Kristoffer Reitan (Nor), Casey Jarvis (SA)
14:02 Bubba Watson (US), Nicolas Echavarria (Col), Brandon Holtz (US*)
14:19 Cameron Smith (Aus), Sam Burns (US), Jake Knapp (US)
14:31 Keegan Bradley (US), Ryan Gerard (US), Nick Taylor (Can)
14:43 Dustin Johnson (US), Shane Lowry (Ire), Jason Day (Aus)
14:55 Patrick Reed (US), Tommy Fleetwood (Eng), Akshay Bhatia (US)
Masters 2026: We have our first birdie of the week!
Thursday 9 April 2026 13:42 , Jamie BraidwoodJapan’s Naoyuki Kataoka, on his first Masters and major championship start, is the first player into the red after making birdie at the par-5 second.
It means the 28-year-old jumps out into a very early lead. A long way to go, but a lovely moment for the debutant.
Masters 2026: First-round nerves strike on opening hole
Thursday 9 April 2026 13:27 , Jamie BraidwoodSpare of thought for South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter, among the early starters on Thursday and making his first Masters appearance since his debut in 2023.
With his knees likely wobbling on the first tee, the 21-year-old sent his opening drive into the trees down the right of the first fairway before thinning his third shot, a chip, and ending up at the back of the green.
He emerges with a double-bogey six to start his tournament.
Inside the magic of the Masters – and why Augusta is always the main character
Thursday 9 April 2026 12:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleAugusta National really is a special place – as Ed Malyon details after a stroll around the immaculate course yesterday:
Inside the magic of the Masters – and why Augusta is always the main character
Rory McIlroy is back at Augusta – but does he have the right mindset to win The Masters again?
Thursday 9 April 2026 08:30 , Lawrence OstlereThe role of reigning Masters champion comes with a whole new set of challenges that make winning it all over again one of the hard tasks in golf, says former Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley
Rory McIlroy is back – but does he have right mindset to win Masters again?
Masters tee times: Selected first-round times
Thursday 9 April 2026 08:10 , Jamie Braidwood14:55 Tommy Fleetwood (Eng)
15:07 Bryson DeChambeau (US), Matt Fitzpatrick (Eng), Xander Schauffele (US)
15:31 Rory McIlroy (NI), Cameron Young (USA)
15:43 Viktor Hovland (Nor), Patrick Cantlay (US)
17:56 JJ Spaun (US), Tyrrell Hatton (Eng)
18:08 Jon Rahm (Spa), Ludvig Aberg (Swe)
18:20 Jordan Spieth (US), Justin Rose (Eng), Brooks Koepka (US)
18:44 Scottie Scheffler (US), Robert MacIntyre (Sco), Gary Woodland (US)
When is The Masters? Dates, tee times and how to watch Augusta major
Good morning and welcome
Thursday 9 April 2026 08:00 , Jamie BraidwoodAnd happy Masters day to all those who celebrate! Welcome to the countdown to the opening tee at Augusta, with honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson getting us underway at 12.25pm BST (7.25am local).
Rory McIlroy will be among the early starters this afternoon and we will have all the build-up to this year’s tournament throughout the morning.
