All articles tagged with #masters
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.
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.
Rory McIlroy shot 65 to reach 12-under and open a six-shot lead at the Masters halfway point, setting a new 36-hole record as a crowded chase develops behind him with Patrick Reed, Sam Burns, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton among the contenders; the day also brought storylines around Koepka, DeChambeau and Li Haotong as the field fights for position ahead of the weekend.
Amazon Prime Video expanded its Masters early-round coverage, but Matt Yoder criticizes the telecast for lacking high-profile cameos like Bert Kreischer and Jason Kelce and for not leveraging Prime’s own cross-promotional opportunities. The piece argues the broadcast resembled a CBS-style feed and missed chances to promote Prime Video content, merch, and Prime-specific moments, despite moments such as a Terry Gannon interview with Jack Nicklaus. Overall, it’s portrayed as a missed opportunity to make the Masters a Prime-branded event.
After Round 2 at Augusta, the Masters cut is 4-over par (148), trimming the field to the top 50 and ties for the weekend; 56 players remain in contention, with scores likely to shift if afternoon play stays tough. Notables: Jon Rahm sits at 148 on the cut, Bryson DeChambeau remains in danger, and Rasmus Hojgaard secured his spot with a birdie on 18 to reach 4-under. J.J. Spaun finished at 5 over, Robert MacIntyre recovered to 71 but an opening 80 doomed him, and all six amateurs appear headed for the fence. Historically, cut lines at the Masters have fluctuated between about 2-over and 6-over in recent years.
Former ESPN anchor Trey Wingo blasted ESPN’s Masters coverage for over-sizzle and hype, arguing the tournament should be defined by tradition rather than celebrity cameos and marketing to casual fans; Augusta National’s tight control over rights and bans adds to the tension, and Wingo urged ESPN to let the Masters speak for itself.
Bryson DeChambeau was puzzled by a post-round question about his USGA-approved 3D-printed 5 iron after posting a 4-over 76 in the Masters’ first round. He explained the club’s curved face is designed to straighten some mis-hits and detailed the lengthy approval process (print time plus finishing) required by the USGA. He used the club on the seventh hole and said it was “great,” but his round slipped with a bunker mishap and a triple bogey on the 11th, leaving him nine strokes behind leaders after day one.
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.
Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy shot five-under 67 to lead the 2026 Masters after Round 1 at Augusta; the cut line is projected around plus-three, with several players in danger including Morikawa (+2), Fitzpatrick (+2), Åberg (+2), Hovland (+3), Michael Kim (+3), Corey Conners (+3), Si Woo Kim (+3), Bryson DeChambeau (+4), Bubba Watson (+4) and Sungjae Im (+4). McIlroy had six birdies, despite only five of 14 fairways, while Burns unleashed a 392-yard drive that set up an eagle on No. 2; Kitayama, Day and Reed are two shots back heading into Friday.
Rory McIlroy sits atop the Masters leaderboard after the opening round, while Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm struggle to make the cut at Augusta, signaling a tight early contest at the iconic golf tournament.
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.
The article explains how to watch The Masters 2026 Day 1 using free trials and streaming combos (DIRECTV and Prime Video), with ESPN TV coverage starting at 3 p.m. ET. It notes Prime Video’s early coverage and a slate of morning streams via Paramount+, Prime Video, ESPN App, and DIRECTV. It also lists Round 1 tee times and highlights contenders like Rory McIlroy (defending champ), Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Scottie Scheffler.