Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns top the leaderboard after a five-under opening round; this guide breaks down tee times, contenders and crucial storylines ahead of round two at Augusta National
The second round of The Masters returns to Augusta National on 10 April 2026, with rory mcilroy resuming his defence as one of the joint leaders. After an opening 67 that featured a late surge of birdies, McIlroy sits at -5 alongside Sam Burns, setting up a tense afternoon wave for fans tracking the title chase.
Behind them, a mix of established champions and in-form challengers are poised to make moves as the course plays firm and fast.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and last year’s runner-up Justin Rose start round two at -2, while a trio including Patrick Reed, Jason Day and Kurt Kitayama occupy positions at -3.
Several storylines already dominate discussion: the struggles of players affiliated with LIV Golf where none managed to break par on day one, an on-course etiquette incident involving Robert MacIntyre, and notable performances such as Sergio Garcia’s level-par 72 that made him the best-placed LIV player after the opening 18.
Who’s in the mix and why they matter
The leaderboard is compact early on, which means momentum through round two could swing the tournament rapidly. McIlroy’s late birdie spree on day one underlined his ability to turn a tentative start into sustained scoring. Sam Burns matched that five-under total with an earlier tee time, so the title picture will depend on how players handle different wind patterns and green speeds across the afternoon and evening waves. Expect names like Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka and Max Homa to push up the chart if they find early birdie form.
Notable round-one takeaways
There were flashes of brilliance and some alarming struggles on a testing first day. Patrick Reed holed a long eagle putt that swung attention toward competitors who can manufacture big moments, while Tommy Fleetwood produced a string of birdies that kept him competitive. Conversely, big names like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm faced tougher outings and will be under pressure to make the cut. One incident to note: Robert MacIntyre raised a middle finger to the 15th hole during a difficult session that left him eight-over; Masters organisers are set to address the gesture.
Round two logistics and key pairings (10 April 2026)
Competition resumes on Friday with a full field of 91 players. Late starters could benefit from calmer wind conditions, and that puts an emphasis on the afternoon/evening groups. Rory McIlroy tees off at 18:44 BST alongside Cameron Young and US Amateur champion Mason Howell. Sam Burns heads out earlier in the afternoon at 17:32 BST paired with Cameron Smith and Jake Knapp, while Scottie Scheffler begins at 15:19 BST with Robert MacIntyre and Gary Woodland. These matchups will be monitored closely as featured groups and broadcasters focus on the pivotal stretches of the course.
Coverage, streams and course forecast
Live coverage windows offer comprehensive access for viewers: extended reporting begins in the early afternoon with global broadcast windows later in the day. On-site meteorology indicates no rain across the weekend and a warming trend, with highs expected to climb toward the upper twenties Celsius. That course condition — firm fairways and quick greens — typically rewards precise iron play and excellent putting, both of which will determine who moves up the leaderboard.
What to watch as the leaderboard tightens
Focus will fall on players who can produce under pressure during the Amen Corner sequence and the closing holes around 15 and 16, where tournaments have been decided before. Keep an eye on the chasing trio at -3 and the likes of Justin Rose and Scottie Scheffler at -2 — they possess the experience to climb rapidly. Meanwhile, those who struggled on day one, including some high-profile names from LIV Golf, will be fighting to stay inside the projected cut line. Expect dramatic swings and strategic play as competitors balance aggression with caution while the field narrows.
Ultimately, round two on 10 April 2026 will clarify who can sustain pressure across the weekend at Augusta National. With a tight leaderboard, shifting conditions and several compelling subplots, fans should follow live updates and featured-group streams to catch the pivotal moments as they unfold.
