McIlroy Extends Lead At Augusta, Masters Weekend Looms
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AUGUSTA, Ga. — Augusta National presented a firm, fast test through the opening round of the 2026 Masters, and with cut day looming the 91-player field will be trimmed to the top 50 and ties by nightfall. Reigning champion Rory McIlroy became the sixth golfer to begin a green jacket defense with at least a share of the 18-hole lead, entering Friday at 5 under alongside Sam Burns. A strong chasing group includes Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Reed and Justin Rose. CBS Sports and Paramount+ offered expanded live coverage Friday with Masters Live streaming Featured Groups, Amen Corner and holes 15 and 16 across Paramount+, CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App. The networks planned extended broadcasts on Saturday and Sunday from 12-2 p.m. ET on Paramount+ followed by 2-7 p.m. ET on CBS. CBS Sports will provide ongoing leaderboard updates, live scores, Round 2 tee times, pairings and highlights.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- After 18 holes, Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns shared the 18-hole lead at 5-under.
- Following 36 holes, McIlroy held a six-shot lead at 12-under, the largest 36-hole advantage in Masters history.
- Augusta National announced the total purse for 2026 as $22.5 million, $1.5 million more than 2025.
- The tournament cut was scheduled to reduce the field to the top 50 and ties entering Round 3.
- Broadcasters provided expanded Masters Live coverage across Paramount+, CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App for the weekend.
Why This Matters to You
This Masters tournament is history in the making. Rory McIlroy's six-shot lead is the largest 36-hole advantage ever at Augusta. If you're a golf fan, you won't want to miss the weekend's action. Check out the expanded live coverage on Paramount+, CBSSports.com, and the CBS Sports App.
The Bottom Line
McIlroy is dominating the Masters, but the game isn't over yet. With a strong group of competitors chasing, anything could happen. Keep an eye on the leaderboard and tune in for the extended broadcasts. Worth forwarding if you know someone who loves a good sports showdown.
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Top finishers, notably Rory McIlroy, benefited from increased prize money, enhanced media exposure, and stronger positioning entering the weekend, which can translate to larger payouts and commercial opportunities.
Players who missed the cut or fell well behind the leaders suffered reduced earnings, lost weekend playing opportunities, and diminished exposure during the tournament broadcast window.
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