All articles tagged with #augusta national
Rory McIlroy shot a 65 in Round 2 at Augusta to surge to 12-under and open a record six-shot lead, aided by nine birdies and a dramatic 29-yard chip-in on 17 as he chases back-to-back Masters titles.
The Masters at Augusta National enforces a strict no-phone policy and no VIP access, forcing celebrities and athletes to experience the tournament as ordinary spectators who arrive before dawn to secure seats. This rule fosters human, eye-to-eye conversations and a shared, level viewing experience, contrasting with the phone-centric hype at other events like Coachella and illustrating how the iconic course temporarily flattens America’s celebrity caste.
Scotland's Robert MacIntyre finished 7 over par and missed the Masters cut after an opening-round 80 and a 1-under 71, capped by a middle-finger gesture and on-course expletives that drew a reprimand from officials; he then refused to speak to reporters for a second straight day.
With Rory McIlroy carrying a six-shot lead into Masters weekend, Saturday’s third round is framed as the pivotal moment that could reshape the leaderboard and push him toward a historic two-peat, as players chase a potential comeback and Augusta’s famously dramatic pressure.
Rory McIlroy followed a 67 with a 65 to reach 12-under and establish a record six-shot, 36-hole lead at Augusta, putting him in prime position to become the first back-to-back Masters winner since Tiger Woods in 2002 as Tyrrell Hatton ascends into contention and Patrick Reed and Sam Burns sit just behind in second.
Robert MacIntyre could be reprimanded by Augusta National for a middle-finger gesture during the Masters, in a round highlighted by a quadruple-bogey-nine on the 15th after two water hazards; he finished 13 shots behind leaders Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns and left the course without speaking to reporters, as McIlroy enjoyed a strong start.
Round 2 of the 2026 Masters at Augusta National is underway, with Rory McIlroy holding a solo lead early in the round and Scottie Scheffler misfiring with a water-ball bogey that drops him back. The live blog tracks early scores, afternoon tee times and updates from contenders such as Wyndham Clark, Justin Rose and Sam Burns, along with amateur stories and the projected cut around 4 over. Expect continued updates, highlights and insights as the round progresses.
Robert MacIntyre endured a nightmare first round at Augusta, posting an 8-over 80 after a disastrous 15th hole that included two shots into the water and a subsequent middle-finger gesture; Augusta National’s strict conduct rules could invite disciplinary action, and he did not speak to reporters after the round.
Rory McIlroy fired a 67 to sit atop the Masters leaderboard after the opening round, with Scottie Scheffler and Justin Rose among two shots back as a strong chase group begins to take shape at Augusta.
Former major champion Mark Calcavecchia was escorted off Augusta National grounds for using a cell phone, as the club enforces a strict ban on personal devices. Phones are available in designated areas if needed, and the incident underscores Augusta’s rule-following stance ahead of the Masters field.
Rory McIlroy arrived at Augusta National liberated from past Masters ghosts, shaking off early nerves to shoot 5-under 67 and take a share of the first-round lead. His calmer, more confident approach signals a new era where he could chase another Masters title and complete the career Grand Slam, with old doubts replaced by a fearless, laser-focused mindset.
Spieth opened The Masters with a 72 (even par) and two late bogeys, predicting the winner will likely finish around eight to nine under this week (though a 16-under could win); he stressed staying within reach and not overreacting to Augusta’s tough conditions.
Jon Rahm opened The Masters with a six-over 78, failing to birdie for the first time in his Masters career. A costly double-bogey on the 13th after a wayward drive derailed his round, leaving him 11 shots behind and in danger of missing the cut, with him acknowledging that particular mistake as the day’s biggest frustration.
Sunny, hot weather and drying, crusty greens pushed Augusta National toward a brutal, fast test in the Masters opening round, with only a handful of under-par holes and an average score around 74.7; Rory McIlroy shot 67 to lead at 5-under as players navigated razor-thin margins that could tighten further if conditions firm up over the next three days.
The 90th Masters kicks off Thursday at Augusta National with Round 1 tee times announced; honorary starters Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson open at 7:25 a.m., groups go off No. 1 in threes, defending champion Rory McIlroy plays with US Amateur champion Mason Howell, and players will alternate morning/afternoon rounds on the first two days, with live updates and scoring available throughout the day.