McIlroy finished tied at the top of the leaderboard with Sam Burns, with both players taking advantage of favorable scoring conditions during the morning. The strong start immediately places McIlroy in position to chase back-to-back Masters titles, something that would further cement his legacy at Augusta.

A major key to McIlroy’s round was his dominance on the Par 5s. He recorded birdies at the 2nd, 8th, 13th and 15th holes, the exact formula historically associated with success at Augusta National. Capitalizing on those scoring opportunities allowed him to build momentum and avoid unnecessary risks elsewhere on the course.

Can Rory McIlroy win back-to-back Masters titles?

Rory McIlroy enters the week as the defending champion after his dramatic playoff victory over Justin Rose at the 2025 Masters. That win ended years of Augusta heartbreak and finally delivered another major, and now he is in position to repeat. His ability to attack the par 5s in Round 1 suggests his game plan remains perfectly suited for Augusta National.

Who is chasing the lead at Augusta?

Scottie Scheffler is one of the biggest names lurking near the top of the leaderboard as he searches for his third Masters title. His steady ball-striking and course management make him a constant threat, especially over the weekend when conditions typically become more demanding.

Sam Burns, meanwhile, shares the lead with McIlroy after his own impressive 67. With Scheffler close behind and several contenders within striking distance, the 2026 Masters is shaping up for a tightly contested battle. Still, McIlroy’s fast start and dominance on the par 5s give him an early edge in his pursuit of another green jacket.

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally.”

The statement confirmed Woods’ decision to prioritize recovery, making his absence from Augusta inevitable. With the Masters arriving just weeks after the incident, there was little expectation he would be ready to compete, especially given the physical and mental toll involved.

Is Tiger Woods playing today at the 2026 Masters Tournament?

No. Tiger Woods is not playing at the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta as he remains away from competition while focusing on his recovery following the recent car crash in Florida.

How many Masters has Tiger Woods won?

Tiger Woods has won the Masters five times: 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2019. He is now one victory away from tying Jack Nicklaus’ all-time record of six Masters titles, a mark that has long been one of the most iconic achievements in golf history.

When will Tiger Woods return?

There is no clear timeline for Tiger Woods’ return. Given his decision to step away for treatment, it is very likely he could also miss the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open, leaving uncertainty about when he will compete again in 2026.

With Mickelson and Tiger Woods absent, a new generation led by Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau will try to deliver another epic chapter.

This will be the first time since 1994 that the tournament will not feature Mickelson or Woods, a clear sign that the old glory days of that rivalry are long behind.

Is Phil Mickelson playing the 2026 Masters Tournament?

Phil Mickelson is not playing the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta. In the official statement confirming his decision, Lefty revealed that he will be out for an extended period of time, so it is also unclear whether he will be ready for the PGA Championship and the US Open.

How many Masters has Phil Mickelson won?

Phil Mickelson has won the Masters three times: 2004, 2006, and 2010. In addition, the legend is the oldest winner of a major in golf history after capturing the 2021 PGA Championship at the age of 50.

In the aftermath of the gripping contest and the ensuing celebration focused on McIlroy’s triumph, Rose took to his personal X account to send a gracious message. He congratulated the newly crowned golf champion, also acknowledging McIlroy’s completion of the career Grand Slam, a feat secured with the Masters victory.

“Congratulations Rory McIlroy on winning the The Masters and completing the Grand Slam.. very cool sharing the green with you in that moment…” Rose wrote in a message that garnered over 18,000 likes on X.

Rose’s Masters Heartbreak: A History of Near Misses

Justin Rose has unfortunately faced defeat at The Masters on three occasions, a tournament that has so far eluded his grasp. This latest loss marks his second time falling short in a playoff, this time against a formidable Rory McIlroy who was fiercely pursuing the coveted title.

Rose’s first Masters setback came in 2015 against Jordan Spieth. He wasn’t alone in his disappointment, sharing the runner-up position with Phil Mickelson. His second Masters defeat occurred in 2017, where he lost in a playoff to Sergio Garcia of Spain.

Playoff Struggles Plague Rose on PGA Tour

Adding to his Masters playoff woes, this loss to McIlroy extends Rose’s disappointing record in PGA Tour events decided by a playoff. He has only one playoff victory, dating back to the 2014 Quicken Loans National. The other four playoff appearances have all ended in defeat, occurring consecutively between 2015 and 2025 (in addition to the two Masters losses, these include the Memorial Tournament and the BMW Championship).

The last Masters to be decided by a playoff was the 2017 edition, eight years prior to the 2025 tournament. Notably, Justin Rose was also a participant in that recent playoff, ultimately falling to Sergio Garcia of Spain. Both players walked away with prizes exceeding a million dollars.

Starting in 2025, this will be the tournament’s most recent playoff—a fresh heartbreak for Rose, who faced a similar fate again. Yet, he remains one of the world’s most formidable golfers.

How did the playoff happen at the 2025 Masters?

It came down to Rory McIlroy, who failed to capitalize on an easy shot at the final hole and ended up recording a bogey — the kind of costly mistake that has haunted his career for years. Since 2015, McIlroy has been one of the golfers most plagued by tournament struggles, and it’s continued to stand in the way of him capturing another Grand Slam title.

How rare are playoffs in the big golf tournaments?

Playoffs in major golf tournaments aren’t extremely rare, but they don’t happen every year either — especially at events like The Masters. Some majors, like the U.S. Open or PGA Championship, are more likely to end in a playoff due to tighter scoring margins and tougher course setups.

The first edition of the U.S. Masters was held in 1934, 88 years ago; the 2022 edition will be the eighty-sixth edition of this great tournament, which has among its peculiarities that it is always held in the same location, the Augusta National Golf Club, in Georgia. This is unlike the rest of the majors that do not maintain regularity in the venue their editions are held.

Like any sporting event that boasts pedigree, there are memorable traditions that are jealously guarded at the Masters Tournament. The most famous of these is the awards ceremony where the winner is awarded a green jacket, which is put on by the champion of the previous edition.

Masters Augusta 2022: How to watch

The four days of the action of the 86th edition of this legendary golf tournament can be enjoyed from wherever you are in the United States live on fuboTV (free trial). Likewise, ESPN will broadcast rounds 1 and 2, and CBS will broadcast rounds 3 and 4.

Which are the top players contending for the Masters Augusta 2022?

The spotlight will be on the return of Tiger Woods, one of the greatest legends of golf and the second most winner of this tournament with 5 championships, only one less than the king of Augusta, Jack Nicklaus, who won it 6 times. Woods returns to professional activity after his tragic car accident in February 2021, in which he suffered multiple fractures in his right leg.

Several of the winners of previous editions will also be competing for the green jacket:Hideki Matsuyama, Sergio García,Dustin Johnson, Fred Couples,Patrick Reed, andDanny Willett.Also, fighting for glory will be some of the top seeds of the Official World Golf Ranking such as:Cameron Young,Séamus Power, Russell Henley,Harold Varner III, and Thomas Pieters.

Masters Augusta 2022: Dates and time of itsfour rounds

Four rounds will define the new winner of the U.S. Masters spread over four days of action, beginning on Thursday, April 7 and culminating on Sunday, April 10, who will win the honor of wearing the iconic green jacket, a gold medallion, Sterling Replica of Masters Trophy and the permanent inscription of his name on the Masters Trophy, as well as a purse of $2.07 million.

April 7:3:00 to 7:30 p.m (ET) / 2:00 to 6:30 pm (CT) / 12:00 to 4:30 pm (PT) / 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm (MT) April 8:3:00 to 7:30 p.m (ET) / 2:00 to 6:30 pm (CT) / 12:00 to 4:30 pm (PT) / 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm (MT)
April 9: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m (ET) / 2:00 to 6:00 pm (CT) / 12:00 to 4:00 pm (PT) / 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm (MT)
April 10: 2:00 to 7:00 pm (ET) / 1:00 to 5:00 pm (CT) / 11:00 am to 3:00 pm (PT) / 12:00 to 4:00 pm (MT)