The Masters 2026 is in full swing, with defending champion Rory McIlroy firmly positioned at the top of the leaderboard after an impressive opening round. McIlroy carded a superb 67 to finish at five-under par, tying him with American Sam Burns as they head into today's second round at Augusta National.
McIlroy and Burns Set the Pace
Rory McIlroy started slowly on the opening day but found his rhythm spectacularly over the final 11 holes, racking up five birdies to secure a joint lead. This strong finish immediately establishes the Northern Irishman as the player to beat once again in this prestigious tournament.
Sam Burns, a key member of the American Ryder Cup team, matched McIlroy's score with his best-ever round at The Masters, showcasing his skill and determination early in the competition.
Chasing Pack and Cut Line Drama
Last year's runner-up, Justin Rose, endured a frustrating end to his round with bogeys on the final two holes, dropping him to two-under par, three shots behind the leaders. World number one Scottie Scheffler also sits at two-under after a fast start that faded as the round progressed.
Players further down the leaderboard will be battling hard in the second round to make the cut, ensuring they can compete over the weekend for the coveted Green Jacket.
Second Round Tee Times
Round two of The Masters 2026 tees off on Friday, 10 April, with a packed schedule of pairings. Key groups to watch include:
- 12:40: Samuel Stevens (US) and Sung-jae Im (Kor)
- 14:55: Jordan Spieth (US), Justin Rose (Eng), and Brooks Koepka (US)
- 15:19: Scottie Scheffler (US), Robert MacIntyre (Sco), and Gary Woodland (US)
- 18:32: Hideki Matsuyama (Jpn), Collin Morikawa (US), and Russell Henley (US)
- 18:44: Rory McIlroy (NI), Cameron Young (US), and Mason Howell (US*)
The full tee time list features a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and amateur players, promising an exciting day of golf action.
How to Watch The Masters 2026 in the UK
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch all the action from Augusta National on Sky Sports. Coverage begins at 2pm BST on Thursday, with Featured Group updates and course-wide action available on Sky Sports Golf until 6pm BST, when the global broadcast window opens.
For the weekend rounds, coverage starts earlier at 5pm BST on Saturday and 4:45pm BST on Sunday. Sky Sports+ will provide live coverage of the Featured Holes and Amen Corner from 3:45pm BST on Thursday and Friday, 5pm BST on Saturday, and 4:45pm BST on Sunday.
Viewers can access the coverage through a Sky subscription or via Now TV with a day or month pass. Additionally, Independent Sport will offer a live blog with real-time scores, breaking news, and expert reaction throughout the tournament.
As the second round unfolds, all eyes will be on McIlroy and Burns to see if they can maintain their lead, while others chase them down in one of golf's most iconic events.
