McIlroy atop Masters leaderboard again, while DeChambeau and Rahm will have to fight to make cut
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Defending Masters champion Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns lead after the first round with 5-under 67s, showing strong starts at Augusta National.
- Past champions Patrick Reed and Scottie Scheffler, along with contenders Justin Rose, Jason Day, Shane Lowry, and Xander Schauffele, remain within striking distance.
- LIV Golf players Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm struggled, shooting 76 and 78 respectively, putting their chances of making the cut in doubt.
- The challenging conditions at Augusta National, including a dry forecast and difficult holes like the par-5 15th, caused big score swings and tested players’ skills.
- Several notable players, including Viktor Hovland and Patrick Cantlay, face pressure to improve their standings to stay competitive for the weekend rounds.
