The 2026 Masters is officially underway with Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy sharing the lead at 5-under. 2018 Masters Champion Patrick Reed sits in a three-way tie for third at 3-under.
Burns, playing in his fifth Masters, shot 67 – his lowest career round at Augusta National. He birdied three holes in a four-hole stretch on the back nine to enhance his lead. Amen Corner is where he showed why he’s one of the best putters on the PGA Tour. His birdie putt on the 12th hole was from 20 feet, and on the 13th hole, he made his birdie from 11 feet. The five-time PGA Tour winner is seeking his first career major championship.
Reigning champion McIlroy only hit five fairways during the first round but stayed patient and birdied three consecutive holes starting on hole 13. Sharing the lead, McIlroy becomes the seventh reigning champion to lead or co-lead after round one the year after a Masters victory.
Reed started the day hot with a birdie-eagle on the first two holes. He made another eagle on the 8th hole but played the back nine 2-over par.
LIV Golf stars Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau struggled during their opening rounds. DeChambeau shot a 4-over-76 that included three bogeys and one triple bogey. Rahm shot a 6-over-par 78 that included 4 bogeys and one double bogey.
Four former major champions sit T6 at 2-under. Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele are in striking distance after opening rounds of 70.
The tee times begin tomorrow at 7:40am ET with Sungjae Im and Samuel Stevens in the first pairing.
