Rory McIlroy Leads Masters as DeChambeau, Rahm Battle Cut Line/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rory McIlroy opened the Masters with a 5-under 67 to share the lead with Sam Burns. Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm struggled and face pressure to make the cut. Tough course conditions at Augusta National could reshape the leaderboard Friday.
Rory McIlroy Masters Lead Quick Looks
- Rory McIlroy opens with 5-under 67
- Sam Burns tied for first place
- Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Reed in contention
- DeChambeau shoots 76, Rahm posts 78
- Only five players shoot in the 60s
- Tough conditions expected at Augusta National
- Several past contenders within striking distance
- Friday’s round critical for cut-line battle
Deep Look: Rory McIlroy Leads Masters as DeChambeau, Rahm Battle Cut Line
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Defending Masters champion Rory McIlroy started strong Thursday, opening with a 5-under 67 to share the early lead with Sam Burns as several big-name golfers struggled at Augusta National.
McIlroy, returning to Augusta after completing the career Grand Slam with last year’s victory, showed confidence and composure during one of his best opening rounds at the Masters. Despite his success, the Northern Irish star admitted he still felt the familiar pressure associated with golf’s biggest stage.
“I was anxious just like I always am on that first tee,” McIlroy said. “It’s the first round of major season, the first round of the 16 most important rounds of the year. I’m thankful that I felt the same as I always have because it definitely still means something to me.”
McIlroy shared the lead with Sam Burns, who also finished at 5 under par. Burns capitalized on Augusta’s par-5 holes, recording an eagle and three birdies to match McIlroy atop the leaderboard.
Several accomplished players sit within striking distance entering Friday’s second round. Past Masters champions Patrick Reed and Scottie Scheffler are among the contenders, along with Justin Rose, Jason Day, Shane Lowry, and Xander Schauffele — all players with strong histories at Augusta National.
However, further down the leaderboard, several high-profile players face pressure to make the weekend cut.
Bryson DeChambeau struggled with a 4-over 76, while Jon Rahm posted a 6-over 78, putting both LIV Golf stars in danger of missing the cut.
Rahm acknowledged the difficulty of the course and his struggles with swing consistency.
“It’s a hard golf course,” Rahm said. “When you have no feel with the swing whatsoever, it’s just not an easy one.”
Viktor Hovland also faces an uphill climb after shooting 75, while Patrick Cantlay posted a disappointing 77. Robert MacIntyre had one of the toughest rounds of the day, finishing with an 80 after a difficult back nine.
Course conditions played a major role in Thursday’s scoring. Aside from McIlroy and Burns, only three other players managed rounds in the 60s, highlighting Augusta National’s demanding setup.
The par-5 15th hole proved especially unpredictable. While it produced 21 birdies, it also delivered several disastrous moments. Danny Willett, Fred Couples, and MacIntyre each recorded quadruple bogeys on the hole. Patrick Reed’s second shot sailed past the green and into the water hazard near the par-3 16th.
Scottie Scheffler, who shot 70, described the challenges posed by the course conditions.
“With that hole playing downwind, you had to land it perfectly to hold the green,” Scheffler said. “Stuff can happen quick around this place, and it’s really hard.”
Scheffler started strong, reaching 3-under early, but failed to record another birdie for the remainder of the round. He sits tied with Rose, Schauffele, and Lowry — all players who have previously contended at Augusta without capturing a green jacket.
Patrick Reed, Jason Day, and Kurt Kitayama each posted 69, positioning themselves firmly in contention heading into Friday.
Weather conditions may further complicate scoring. Forecasts call for dry conditions, which typically make Augusta National faster and more difficult, potentially increasing scoring challenges.
The second round will be crucial, particularly for players near the cut line. DeChambeau, Rahm, and others will need strong performances to remain in contention and avoid early elimination.
With several contenders within striking distance and course conditions expected to toughen, the Masters leaderboard remains wide open heading into Friday.
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