Masters 2026 Round 1 Leaderboard: Live Updates From Augusta National

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Players compete during the opening round of the 2026 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.

The opening round of the The Masters is underway at Augusta National Golf Club, and early scoring conditions are already producing movement at the top of the leaderboard. Sam Burns has already posted 5-under to set the clubhouse lead, with Rory McIlroy making a late push to join him.

With players taking advantage of receptive greens and manageable conditions, several names have surged into red numbers early — setting up what could be a volatile Round 1 as marquee groups begin their rounds.

This post was updated throughout Thursday with live leaderboard movement, key moments, and notable performances from Augusta.

Masters 2026 Round 1 Leaderboard Updates

Round 1 at Augusta National — with Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy tied for the lead at 5-under. Follow below for key leaderboard updates and how the day unfolded.

• 6:55 PM ET — Round 1 Wraps With Four-Way Tie at the Top
  As Round 1 effectively wrapped at Augusta National, Sam Burns, Rory McIlroy, Kurt Kitayama, and Jason Day sit tied for the lead at 5-under, setting up a tightly packed leaderboard heading into Friday.Burns and McIlroy held the clubhouse lead into the evening, while Kitayama and Day surged late to match the number, taking advantage of receptive conditions and clean scoring opportunities across the course.

  Just behind them, Patrick Reed, Shane Lowry, and Xander Schauffele are within one shot at 4-under, while Scottie Scheffler and Justin Rose remain firmly in contention at 3-under.

  With scoring conditions remaining manageable throughout the day, Round 1 produced a crowded leaderboard with little separation among the top contenders.

• 6:30 PM ET — Burns, McIlroy Share Lead as Round 1 TightensAs the first round at Augusta National nears completion, Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy are tied for the lead at 5-under, setting the pace heading into the closing stretch.Burns held steady throughout the day to reach 5-under, while McIlroy matched him with a clean, controlled round that kept him near the top of the leaderboard from start to finish.Just behind them, Kitayama and Day surged late to reach 5-under, both within striking distance as the round winds down.

  A tightly packed group at 2-under includes several major champions and contenders: Patrick Reed, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler

  Further back, Danny Lee is at 1-under, keeping himself within range heading into Round 2.

  The Situation: With multiple players clustered within three shots of the lead, the opening round remains tightly contested. A strong finish — or late stumble — could still shift the leaderboard before play concludes.

• 5:11 PM ET — Burns, McIlroy Lead After Round 1; Leaderboard Tight at Augusta
  Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy sit atop the leaderboard at 5-under after both posted opening-round 67s to lead the Masters following Thursday’s action at Augusta National.Burns set the tone early with a bogey-free round to claim the clubhouse lead, while McIlroy later matched him, delivering a steady and composed performance to open his latest bid for a career Grand Slam on strong footing.Just behind them, a group at 3-under — including Kurt Kitayama, Jason Day, and Patrick Reed — remains firmly in contention heading into Round 2, keeping the leaderboard tightly packed after the opening day.With no player separating from the field, Friday’s second round is shaping up to be a pivotal positioning day at Augusta.
• 3:44 PM ET — Burns Sets Early Clubhouse Lead at -5; McIlroy Moves Into Contention
  Sam Burns posted a 5-under 67 to set the early clubhouse lead at Augusta National, becoming the first player to put a real number on the board Thursday. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy has surged to 5-under through 17 holes, putting him in position to match or surpass Burns heading into the final hole of his opening round.
• 1:55 PM ET — McIlroy Opens Under Par as Contenders Enter the Mix
  Rory McIlroy has started his opening round under par, immediately adding pressure to the early leaders as one of the tournament favorites begins his push at Augusta National.
• 1:50 PM ET — Burns Holds Share of Lead with Clean Round
  Sam Burns continues to set the pace at 4-under, building his round on steady ball striking and mistake-free golf through 14 holes.
• 1:45 PM ET — Lowry, Rai Add to Crowded Chase Group
  Shane Lowry and Aaron Rai are among several players pushing into red numbers, tightening the leaderboard just behind the leaders.
• 1:40 PM ET — Kitayama, Reitan Move Into Contention
  Kurt Kitayama and Kristoffer Reitan have both climbed to 2-under through 15 holes, positioning themselves within striking distance.
• 1:35 PM ET — Fleetwood Within One of the Lead
  Tommy Fleetwood sits at 3-under through 11 holes, just one shot back as he continues a steady opening round.
• 1:30 PM ET — Burns, Reed Set Early Pace at 4-Under
  Sam Burns and Patrick Reed share the early lead at 4-under, taking advantage of favorable morning conditions at Augusta.

Round 1 Outlook

With much of the field still on the course — and several marquee groups yet to make their push — Thursday’s opening round remains wide open. Augusta National’s back nine will play a critical role in determining who holds the early advantage heading into Friday.