Four Georgia Bulldogs Make Masters Weekend Cut

Rory McIlroy holds commanding six-stroke lead after dominant Friday round

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action and energy of a professional golf tournament, with sharp planes of green, white, and blue hues.A cubist interpretation of the intense competition and dramatic moments unfolding at the 2026 Masters Tournament.Thomasville Today

Four former or future University of Georgia golfers made the cut at the 2026 Masters Tournament, led by Russell Henley and Harris English at even par. However, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland holds a commanding six-stroke lead after a blistering 65 on Friday that included a dominant back nine performance. Bubba Watson and incoming UGA freshman Mason Howell missed the cut.

Why it matters

The Masters is one of golf's most prestigious events, and having multiple Georgia Bulldogs competing on the weekend is a point of pride for the university and its loyal fan base. McIlroy's performance puts him in position to potentially win his second green jacket, which would cement his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats.

The details

Four of the six Georgia Bulldogs in the Masters field - Russell Henley, Harris English, Sepp Straka, and Brian Harman - made the cut and will play the weekend. Henley and English are 12 strokes back of the lead at even par, while Straka is tied for 32nd at +1 and Harman made the cut at +4. Bubba Watson (+5) and 18-year-old Mason Howell (+9), the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, missed the cut. Rory McIlroy put on a dominant display on Friday, carding a 65 that included birdies on 6 of his final 7 holes to take a 6-stroke lead into the weekend.

  • On Friday, Rory McIlroy shot a 65 to take a 6-stroke lead into the weekend.
  • The Masters cut was made on Friday, with 4 Georgia Bulldogs making the weekend field.

The players

Rory McIlroy

A professional golfer from Northern Ireland who is seeking his second career Masters title.

Russell Henley

A professional golfer and former University of Georgia standout who is currently even par for the tournament.

Harris English

A professional golfer and former University of Georgia golfer who is also even par for the tournament.

Sepp Straka

A professional golfer and former University of Georgia player who is currently tied for 32nd at +1.

Brian Harman

A professional golfer and former University of Georgia player who made the cut at +4.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To paraphrase an old Chuck Norris joke, Amen Corner starts praying when Rory arrives.”

— Glimmer Twin Dawg, Author

What’s next

The final two rounds of the 2026 Masters Tournament will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with Rory McIlroy holding a commanding lead as he seeks his second green jacket.

The takeaway

The strong showing by Georgia Bulldogs golfers at the Masters is a testament to the program's talent development, while Rory McIlroy's dominant performance puts him in prime position to capture another major championship title.