SPORTS

McIlroy Extends Lead At Augusta, Masters Weekend Looms

PUBLISHED Apr 10, 2026, 9:15 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Center 100%

Sources: 7

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.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Aggregated From:

CBS Sports Golf

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.

News Intelligence

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.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7

Who Benefited

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.

Who Impacted

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.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

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.