Rory McIlroy And Sam Burns Lead Tough 2026 Masters At Augusta National

The 90th Masters Tournament at Augusta National continued on Friday with Rory McIlroy defending his title and starting the day tied for the lead at 5-under par alongside Sam Burns.

McIlroy posted a five-under 67 on Thursday to tie with Burns, while Xander Schauffele was a little farther down the leaderboard at two-under.

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The tournament faced bone-dry and fast conditions that could make Augusta National's course the toughest test in a long time.

The scoring average on Thursday was 74.71, nearly 1.5 strokes higher than in 2025.

McIlroy analyzed the conditions, noting that as it gets drier, the grass around the greens gets stickier, that ryegrass.

Schauffele said he might potentially attack it less, to be honest.

Scottie Scheffler was three shots back after the first round.

He tied at sixth on the leaderboard with Xander Schauffele, Justin Rose, and Shane Lowry.

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Scheffler credited his patience and smart play.

He hadn't been able to pick up a golf club in roughly three weeks but felt in a good spot.

The field will watch closely to see if Scheffler can make it three victories in five years.

After two rounds, the Masters cut trims the field to the top 50 players and ties.

At 3 p.m. on Thursday, 42 players were at even par or better.

Five of the six amateurs were at least 4 over and in danger of missing the cut.

Bryson DeChambeau was a notable name in danger after finishing at 4-over 76.

ESPN's coverage featured more than 140 hours of live coverage.

Wyndham Clark joined Scott Van Pelt on-set for most of the coverage.