The 90th Masters Tournament has begun thrillingly at Augusta National Golf Club. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and American Sam Burns are locked together at the top of the leaderboard. Both carded flawless five-under-par 67s in the opening round on Thursday. The defending champion looks determined to keep his green jacket.
The tournament runs from April 9-12 in Augusta, Georgia. It is the first men’s major championship of the 2026 golf season. Conditions were ideal, with calm winds and bright sunshine across the Georgia pines. The course played firm and quick, exactly as Augusta National prefers. This setup tested even the world’s best players from the first tee.
McIlroy returned to defend his title after a historic victory in 2025. Last year, he beat England’s Justin Rose in a playoff to complete his career Grand Slam. That triumph made him only the sixth player in history to win all four majors. Now, he seeks back-to-back green jackets, a feat achieved by very few legends. His opening 67 included five birdies and no bogeys, showcasing complete control.
Burns matched him shot for shot. The American surged up the leaderboard with a steady mistake-free round. He sits just two shots clear of a chasing pack that includes Patrick Reed, Jason Day, and Kurt Kitayama. All three Americans are on three under. World number one Scottie Scheffler is also in contention at two under. England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose are just one shot further back, keeping British hopes alive.
Sky Sports Golf is broadcasting the event live across the UK. British fans can follow every shot from the first major of the year. The field features 92 players, including two stars from Europe and America. Weather forecasts remain favourable for the weekend, promising an exciting finish on Sunday.
The stakes could not be higher. A second consecutive Masters win would cement McIlroy’s place among the all-time greats. For Burns, it represents a chance to claim his second major title. The pressure will mount with every round as the cut approaches on Friday evening. Only the top 50 players and ties will survive to play the weekend.
The tournament is perfectly poised as Thursday’s action concludes. The competition for the green jacket is fiercely competitive. With three rounds still to play, anything can happen at Augusta National. Golf fans across the UK will be watching closely as this championship unfolds.