The 2026 Masters have teed off and immediately delivered a stunning result: Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy share the lead at Augusta National after the first round! Both carded a 5-under 67 – and that, despite their rounds hardly being more different. Burns delivers his best Masters result yet, while McIlroy fights his way back to the top despite shaky tee shots.
Sam Burns, currently world number 33 and a five-time PGA Tour winner, showed what he's capable of. He took an early lead with a birdie barrage, particularly impressive through Amen Corner: a 20-foot putt on the par-3 12th and a spectacular third shot from 50 yards that left him 11 feet from the hole. He himself emphasized how crucial the par-5s are at Augusta – and his stellar round clearly shows how right he is.
Rory's Fighting Spirit Despite a Rough Start
And then there was Rory McIlroy. The reigning Masters champion matched Burns' 67 just an hour later, but in a way that gets golf fans' hearts racing – and leaves us all in awe. He only hit five fairways. FIVE! That's incredible and a clear indication that he had to squeeze the absolute maximum out of his game. After a tough start, he really turned it on from holes 8 to 15, racking up five birdies. "I got the maximum out of the round," he said – and anyone who watched him immediately believes it.
Rahm's Masters Blues and Augusta's Secrets
Folks, but there's always a flip side. Jon Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion, experienced a real nightmare start. With a 78 (+6) and without a single birdie, but instead four bogeys on the front nine and a double-bogey on the back nine, things went anything but according to plan for him. The par-5s here at Augusta are indeed the key to success, and those who don't capitalize on them pay the price.
The first round has thrown us right into the action and sent a clear message: This Masters is going to be wild! With two top stars at the top and a defending champion who has to fight, the stage is set for pure drama. We can't wait to see what the next few days in Augusta bring.
