Rory McIlroy shot a five-under par 67 in the first round of the 2026 Masters, sharing the lead with Sam Burns. This strong start comes as McIlroy aims to win back-to-back Masters titles, which would make him the fourth man to do so after Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods. He became the sixth man to complete the career Grand Slam with his 2025 Masters win.
According to multiple reports, his first-round 67 was his lowest opening round at Augusta since 2011. McIlroy is paired with Cameron Young and Mason Howell for the first two rounds, with a tee time of 10:31am local time (3:31pm BST), according to widespread media coverage. McIlroy is 36 years old and arrived earlier than usual for the 2026 Masters to perform ceremonial duties, he said.
As defending champion, he has impressed Augusta National members with his behavior, including showcasing the Green Jacket globally and participating in events, according to Brad Faxon. Notable absences mark the 2026 field. Tiger Woods is not playing due to a car crash and legal issues, according to multiple reports.
Phil Mickelson is also absent due to a family health matter, media sources indicate. The 2026 Masters field has 91 players, according to widespread coverage. The ceremonial starters are Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson, multiple reports confirm.
Historically, no Masters rookie has won since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979, media sources note. McIlroy worked with psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella during the 2026 Masters, according to multiple reports.
His young playing partner, Mason Howell, is an 18-year-old high school senior and US Amateur winner who admires McIlroy, media sources say. Historical context underscores the difficulty of McIlroy's pursuit. Research indicates there are just 18 multiple winners in the Masters' 91-year history.
Scottie Scheffler is the last man to join the club of multiple Masters winners in 2024, according to research. Since Phil Mickelson won his third green jacket in 2010, there have been only three champions who are multiple winners: Bubba Watson (2014), Tiger Woods (2019), and Scottie Scheffler, research shows. McIlroy won his first green jacket last year, according to official sources.
McIlroy's 2025 victory was far from straightforward. Research shows he started last year’s final round with a two-shot advantage only to immediately lose it after a double bogey. He was three clear as he walked down the par-five 13th fairway in last year's final round, research indicates.
He tried to play conservatively to protect his lead on the 13th hole and promptly dumped a 90-yard pitch into Rae’s Creek for another double bogey, according to research. He immediately followed the double bogey on 13 with another dropped shot on the 14th hole, research shows. Despite that collapse, McIlroy recovered.
He hit a memorably brilliant approach to almost eagle the par-five 15th hole in a less-than-straightforward finish, research indicates. He made a remarkable pitch on the 17th hole, according to official sources. At the 2026 Masters, McIlroy delivered a rare golf show on Friday evening in Augusta, making six birdies on the last seven holes, official sources report.
He led by six shots at one point during the 2026 Masters but faced challenges. Other players had mixed results in the first round. Justin Rose finished three shots behind McIlroy after the first round, according to multiple reports.
Ludvig Åberg is at par (tied for 24th place), official sources state. Alex Norén is four over par (tied for 47th place), according to official reports. The history of defending champions at Augusta is elite.
The last player to defend his title at The Masters was Tiger Woods (2001-2002), official sources note. Jack Nicklaus (1965-1966) and Nick Faldo (1989-1990) have also defended their titles at The Masters, according to official records. McIlroy has a chance to become the fourth player ever to defend his title at The Masters, official sources state.
Several unknowns surround McIlroy's current performance. Beyond his strong start and Friday surge, it is unclear how he will handle the pressure and specific course challenges over the remaining rounds. The exact details of the ceremonial duties he performed as defending champion have also not been fully disclosed, leaving aspects of his champion's role this week unspecified.
Further unknowns involve the absent legends. As mentioned, the precise circumstances of Tiger Woods' car crash and legal issues, and the specific family health matter affecting Phil Mickelson, are not publicly known.