McIlroy atop Masters leaderboard again, while DeChambeau and Rahm will have to fight to make the cut

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, hits from the fairway on the 15th hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) 2026-04-10T10:00:07Z AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Defending champion Rory McIlroy picked up where he left off a year ago. For a couple other big names at the Masters , just making the cut is no guarantee. McIlroy and Sam Burns enter Friday’s second round tied for first after opening with 5-under 67s at Augusta National. Those within striking distance include past champions Patrick Reed and Scottie Scheffler, plus a few others who have come close here in Justin Rose, Jason Day, Shane Lowry and Xander Schauffele. Further back, a couple LIV Golf stars aren’t yet certain of making the weekend. Bryson DeChambeau shot 76 on Thursday, and Jon Rahm was two shots worse. “It’s a hard golf course,” Rahm said. “Some of the players might have been able to manage a respectable round, but when you have no feel with the swing whatsoever, it’s just not an easy one.” McIlroy shot one of his best first rounds ever at the Masters, seemingly unburdened by the pressure of the year’s first major after finally winning it last year to complete the career grand slam. Afterward, however, he said — gratefully — that he still felt some nerves. “I was anxious just like I always am on that first tee. It’s the first round of major season, the first round of the 16 most important rounds of the year,” McIlroy said. “I’m thankful that I felt the same as I always have. I think it would be worrisome if I didn’t feel that way because it definitely still means something to me.” Burns was at 5 under, and that matched his performance on the four par 5s: an eagle and three birdies. (