Masters Round 2: Firm Greens Pose Challenge at Augusta National

Defending champion Rory McIlroy and first-round co-leader Sam Burns look to navigate tricky conditions on Friday.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:50am

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a golfer's swing and the Augusta National course broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the tactical nature of navigating the firm, fast conditions.The firm, fast greens at Augusta National have emerged as the dominant challenge for players in the 2026 Masters, requiring a strategic and precise approach to navigate the course.Augusta Today

The first round of the 2026 Masters at Augusta National proved challenging, with the baked-out greens forcing players to adjust their strategies. Defending champion Rory McIlroy and first-round co-leader Sam Burns navigated the firm conditions well, tying for the lead after shooting 67. However, several other top players, including Bryson DeChambeau, struggled with the difficult greens. As similar conditions are expected for the rest of the tournament, the players who can best manage the course will have a significant advantage.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of golf's most prestigious events, and the firm, fast greens at Augusta National are a key part of the tournament's identity. How players adapt to these challenging conditions will be crucial in determining the outcome of the 2026 edition.

The details

On Thursday, several players encountered issues with the firm greens, including Patrick Reed, who saw his ball roll 30 yards past the 15th green and into the pond at the 16th hole. Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns, however, were able to navigate the conditions well, tying for the lead after the first round with scores of 67. The warm, dry weather is expected to continue, keeping the greens firm and fast throughout the tournament.

  • The first round of the 2026 Masters was played on Thursday, April 9.
  • The second round will take place on Friday, April 10.

The players

Rory McIlroy

The defending champion and world No. 2 player, who tied for the lead after the first round with a score of 67.

Sam Burns

The first-round co-leader, who also shot a 67 on Thursday.

Bryson DeChambeau

A long-hitting fan favorite who struggled in the first round, making the turn at even par and finishing with a 40 on the back nine to tie for 58th.

Jon Rahm

The 2023 Masters champion, who shot a 78 in the first round, including a double-bogey at the par-5 13th hole.

Mason Howell

The U.S. Amateur champion from Thomasville, Georgia, who opened with a 77 but recovered with back-to-back birdies on Nos. 15 and 16.

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What they’re saying

“If I have a 7-wood or closer into that green, I'm going to go for it every day. I knew if we went only the green, we would be fine. Didn't really think it was going to go 30 yards over the green.”

— Patrick Reed

“When the greens get firmer, you have to think about where the best miss is, and distance control is very important. When the greens get like this, it's not going to be soft. It makes a much more tactical test.”

— Rory McIlroy, Defending champion

“The past few years we've gotten rain at some point in the week. As the golf course speeds up, it only gets more difficult out there, and I think it's going to be a really good test.”

— Sam Burns, First-round co-leader

“I just have to try to hit my irons better. I just did not have my irons under control, which is weird. It's been good coming into it.”

— Bryson DeChambeau

What’s next

The second round of the 2026 Masters will take place on Friday, April 10, with the field being trimmed to the low 50 players and ties after 36 holes. The cut line is expected to be around 3-over par, similar to recent years.

The takeaway

The firm, fast greens at Augusta National have emerged as the dominant storyline early in the 2026 Masters, with players needing to carefully manage their approaches and distance control to succeed. Those who can best adapt to the challenging conditions will have a significant advantage in the tournament.