The primary spherical of the 2026 Masters has come and gone, and we have already got a clearer image of what the ultimate leaderboard will seem like on Sunday afternoon. Let’s break down some winners and losers from the primary 18 holes at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership.
Winner: Rory McIlroy
We puzzled how McIlroy would play in his return to Augusta Nationwide one yr after he lastly checked the inexperienced jacket off his bucket listing. Would he be complacent with the Profession Grand Slam in hand, or would he excel with the strain off his shoulders?
By means of 18 holes, the reply appears clear.
McIlroy fired a 5-under 67 within the first spherical of the Masters to take the early lead alongside Sam Burns. The reigning champion ranked third within the subject in strokes gained from tee to inexperienced (5.32) and thirteenth in strokes gained from placing (2.36) on Thursday. McIlroy appears poised to contend for his second straight Masters title.
Loser: LIV Golf
For those who’re a fan of LIV Golf, you had a tough viewing expertise on Thursday. Jon Rahm, the second-favorite behind solely Scottie Scheffler getting into the week, didn’t make a single birdie and shot a 6-over 78 within the first spherical. Bryson DeChambeau, one other fashionable choose to win this week, shot a 4-over 76 with a triple bogey on the eleventh gap. Each gamers will want robust second rounds to make the minimize.
Elsewhere on LIV, Carlos Ortiz shot an 8-over 80, Bubba Watson shot a 4-over 76, Tom McKibbin and Charl Schwartzel shot a pair of 75s, Tyrrell Hatton and Cam Smith shot 2-over 74 and Dustin Johnson shot a 1-over 73. Sergio Garcia (E) was the one LIV participant who did not shoot over par on Thursday.
In the meantime, LIV defectors Patrick Reed (-3) and Brooks Koepka (E) loved strong first rounds.
Winner: Followers who love watching the U.S. Open
Augusta hasn’t seen a lot rain this yr, and we noticed the outcomes on Thursday. The golf course performed agency and quick all day, as gamers struggled to carry greens even with quick irons of their arms. A whopping 57 of the 91 gamers within the subject completed the day over par.
With no rain within the forecast, Augusta is simply going to get firmer and quicker because the week goes on. That is shaping as much as be a U.S. Open-type take a look at with a remaining rating no decrease than 10-under par.
For those who like watching professionals battle, you are going to have some enjoyable this weekend.
Loser: Everybody exterior of the highest 10
Taking part in effectively within the first spherical is essential on the Masters. Based on Justin Ray of The Athletic, 18 of the final 20 Masters champions had been within the high 10 and 79 of 89 all-time winners had been inside 5 pictures of the lead following the primary spherical. If these developments maintain, listed here are the gamers in competition to win the inexperienced jacket in 2026:
T1: Rory McIlroy (-5)
T1: Sam Burns (-5)
T3: Kurt Kitayama (-3)
T3: Jason Day (-3)
T3: Patrick Reed (-3)
T6: Shane Lowry (-2)
T6: Xander Schauffele (-2)
T6: Justin Rose (-2)
T6: Scottie Scheffler (-2)
T10: Haotong Li (-1)
T10: Tommy Fleetwood (-1)
T10: Nick Taylor (-1)
T10: Brian Campbell (-1)
T10: Aaron Rai (-1)
T10: Jacob Bridgeman (-1)
T10: Gary Woodland (-1)
To everybody else, higher luck subsequent yr!
