McIlroy, Burns Share Masters First-Round Lead

Defending champion Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns both shoot 66 on opening day at Augusta National.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the Masters golf tournament, with overlapping planes of green fairways, white bunkers, and silhouetted players, conveying the competitive energy of the event.Two of golf's rising stars, Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns, share the first-round lead at the 2026 Masters Tournament.Augusta Today

Rory McIlroy, the defending Masters champion, and Sam Burns both fired 6-under 66s to share the first-round lead at the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.

Why it matters

McIlroy is seeking his second green jacket and a career Grand Slam, while Burns is one of the rising young stars on the PGA Tour looking to capture his first major championship. Their strong starts have set up an intriguing battle heading into the weekend at the iconic Augusta course.

The details

McIlroy overcame some early struggles to post a bogey-free round, making six birdies. Burns, a two-time PGA Tour winner, also had a clean card with six birdies of his own. The firm, fast conditions at Augusta National proved challenging for many in the field, but McIlroy and Burns navigated the course expertly on Day 1.

  • The 2026 Masters Tournament began on Thursday, April 10.
  • McIlroy and Burns both shot 66 in the first round.

The players

Rory McIlroy

The defending Masters champion, seeking his second green jacket and a career Grand Slam.

Sam Burns

A two-time PGA Tour winner looking to capture his first major championship.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like I managed my game really well today and didn't let the conditions get the better of me. It's a great start, but there's a long way to go.”

— Rory McIlroy

“This course can humble you quickly, so I'm just trying to stay focused and take it one shot at a time. It's an honor to be atop the leaderboard at the Masters.”

— Sam Burns

What’s next

The players will return to Augusta National on Friday for the second round of the 2026 Masters. McIlroy and Burns will look to maintain their strong play and build on their first-round leads.

The takeaway

The opening round of the 2026 Masters has set the stage for an exciting weekend of golf, with the defending champion Rory McIlroy and rising star Sam Burns leading the way. Their duel atop the leaderboard promises to be a highlight of the tournament as both players seek major championship glory.