Masters 2026 Leaderboard: Top Golfers Vie for Green Jacket

Rory McIlroy looks to defend title against elite field at prestigious tournament

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented scene of a golf course, with players, spectators, and the iconic Augusta National clubhouse rendered in sharp, overlapping planes of color.The 2026 Masters tournament at Augusta National promises an intense battle between golf's top stars as they compete for the prestigious green jacket.Augusta Today

The 2026 Masters golf tournament is underway at Augusta National, with a star-studded leaderboard taking shape after the first round. Defending champion Rory McIlroy is tied for the lead at -5, but faces stiff competition from the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and other top players in the field.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of golf's most prestigious events, with the winner earning the coveted green jacket. As McIlroy looks to repeat, the tournament features an elite field of golfers all vying to claim the title and cement their legacy in the sport.

The details

After the first round, Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy are tied for the lead at -5. Other players in contention include Justin Rose, Jason Day, Patrick Reed, and Kurt Kitayama, all at -3 or better. Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry, and Xander Schauffele are also in the mix at -2. The tournament will continue through the weekend, with the final round set for Sunday.

  • The first round of the 2026 Masters began on Thursday, April 9.
  • The Par 3 contest was held at Augusta National on Wednesday, with Aaron Rai emerging victorious.
  • The tournament will conclude on Sunday, April 12 with the final round.

The players

Rory McIlroy

The defending Masters champion, looking to win his second green jacket and complete the career grand slam.

Scottie Scheffler

One of the favorites entering the tournament, the world's top-ranked golfer is in contention after the first round.

Bryson DeChambeau

The powerful American is among the elite players in the field, seeking his first Masters title.

Jon Rahm

The Spanish star is another top contender, aiming to win his first green jacket.

Xander Schauffele

The consistent American is always a threat at major championships, currently tied for 7th.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just trying to stay in the moment and not get ahead of myself. There's a long way to go, but I'm pleased with how I played today.”

— Rory McIlroy

“The course is in great shape, and the conditions are really challenging. You have to be on top of your game to have a chance this week.”

— Scottie Scheffler

What’s next

The tournament will continue with the second round on Friday, April 10, followed by the weekend rounds on Saturday and Sunday. The winner will be crowned on Sunday evening.

The takeaway

The 2026 Masters is shaping up to be a thrilling battle between golf's elite, with Rory McIlroy looking to defend his title against a stacked field of contenders. The tournament's history and prestige make it must-watch viewing for any golf fan.