Masters 2026: Rory McIlroy makes confident start to Augusta defence
BBC • • sports
Key Points:
- Rory McIlroy shares the first-round lead at the Masters with a five-under par 67, demonstrating he is a strong contender to defend his title despite initial doubts about his form.
- McIlroy birdied all four par-five holes and managed to recover well from errant shots, showcasing his experience and resilience on Augusta's challenging course.
- Justin Rose and world number one Scottie Scheffler are three and two shots behind the leaders respectively, keeping the competition tight early in the tournament.
- Some notable players struggled in the first round, including Scotland's Robert MacIntyre with an eight-over par 80 and Spain's Jon Rahm with a six-over 78, indicating a tough start for several contenders.
- McIlroy acknowledged the added pressures of being the reigning champion but remains focused on winning, emphasizing that winning the Masters once makes it easier to win it again.
