Day One of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club wrapped up with Rory McIlroy shooting a strong 5-under-par 67 to begin the defense of the green jacket he won in 2025. McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam last year in dramatic fashion by beating Justin Rose in a playoff, was tied atop the leaderboard with Sam Burns. Justin Rose moved into contention late and stood tied for third as the evening closed, creating the possibility of a rematch to watch later in the week.
CBS News senior national correspondent Jim Axelrod reported from Augusta that conditions were spectacular — “on a 1 to 10, it’s an 11” — and that the forecast through Sunday looked excellent. He noted two high-profile absences this year: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, both longtime Masters champions, are not playing for personal reasons. Axelrod echoed the common Augusta refrain that the tournament often doesn’t resolve until the back nine on Sunday, so early storylines will continue to evolve.
You can follow Masters coverage on Paramount+ beginning at noon Eastern and on CBS at 2:00 p.m.
