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Butler Today
By the People, for the People
Scottie Scheffler reveals Masters disadvantage after Round 1
World No. 1 golfer details the challenges of playing later in the day at Augusta National.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:49am
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Scottie Scheffler's quest for a third Masters title faces unique challenges as he navigates the ever-shifting conditions of Augusta National.Butler TodayScottie Scheffler, the four-time major winner and two-time Masters champion, opened with a 2-under 70 in the first round of the 2026 Masters Tournament. After his round, Scheffler revealed the disadvantages he faced by playing in the second-to-last group, including firmer greens, more traffic on the putting surfaces, and tougher wind conditions compared to earlier starters.
Why it matters
As the world's top-ranked golfer, Scheffler's comments shed light on the unique challenges players face at the Masters, where tee times and course conditions can have a significant impact on scores. His insights highlight how the tournament structure aims to balance the field, with players who struggle on Thursday typically getting an easier draw on Friday.
The details
Scheffler noted that he had a few putts lip out that he thought he had made, but overall felt he played well. However, he explained that going out later in the day meant the golf course had become firmer, the greens were more chewed up, and the wind was typically stronger. Scheffler also mentioned that there was more traffic on the greens, with players trying to read their putts and prepare, which added to the difficulty.
- Scottie Scheffler opened the 2026 Masters with a 2-under 70 on Thursday, April 10.
The players
Scottie Scheffler
The world's top-ranked golfer and a two-time Masters champion, Scheffler is seeking his third green jacket this week.
Rory McIlroy
The defending Masters champion, McIlroy shot a 5-under 67 to take a two-shot lead after the first round.
Sam Burns
Also shooting a 5-under 67, Burns is tied with McIlroy for the first-round lead.
What they’re saying
“There were a few putts that lipped out that I thought I had made. But other than that, a lot of really good stuff.”
— Scottie Scheffler, Golfer
“The golf course gets firmer. The greens get a little more chewed up. Typically, the wind is a bit more. I'm not sure if it was the case today with the wind. But the greens definitely got firmer. There's a lot of traffic on the greens, with guys trying to read their putts and everything they need to do to get ready [to putt].”
— Scottie Scheffler, Golfer
What’s next
Scheffler will look to bounce back in Friday's second round, when he expects to have an easier time with earlier tee times and potentially more favorable course conditions.
The takeaway
Scheffler's comments highlight the nuanced challenges players face at the Masters, where tee times and course conditions can significantly impact scores. His insights underscore the importance of the tournament structure, which aims to balance the field by giving players who struggle on Thursday an easier draw on Friday.