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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. After 18 holes, Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns shared the 18-hole lead at 5-under.
- 2. Following 36 holes, McIlroy held a six-shot lead at 12-under, the largest 36-hole advantage in Masters history.
- 3. Augusta National announced the total purse for 2026 as $22.5 million, $1.5 million more than 2025.
- 4. The tournament cut was scheduled to reduce the field to the top 50 and ties entering Round 3.
- 5. Broadcasters provided expanded Masters Live coverage across Paramount+, CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App for the weekend.
Why it matters
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.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
