AUGUSTA, Ga. — Only 18 holes into the 90th Masters and the tournament is already shaping into a stern test. A favorable forecast has firmed Augusta National: fast, bouncy fairways and drying greens are primed to separate pretenders from contenders as the course tightens over the weekend.
Rory McIlroy opened with a 5-under 67 to share the lead and is chasing history — the first back-to-back Masters champion since Tiger Woods in 2001. McIlroy downplayed how clean his round felt, saying he hit just five of 14 fairways and thought he should have been closer to 2 under, but his short game and confidence after completing the career grand slam last year have him loose and dangerous.
“I said this when I came in on Tuesday: I think winning a Masters makes it easier to win your second one,” McIlroy said. “I think it’s easier for me to make those swings and not worry about where it goes when I know that I can go to the Champions Locker Room and put my green jacket on and have a Coke Zero at the end of the day.”
Scottie Scheffler carded a steady 2-under 70 and remains a threat, while Justin Rose’s 70—coming after his near-miss here last year—showed he can grind around Augusta. Patrick Reed, the 2018 champion, opened with a 3-under 69 and arrives in strong form after a DP World Tour win. Xander Schauffele’s quiet 70 should not be ignored: despite a down 2025 he’s produced excellent Augusta results historically and has been in the top 10 repeatedly.
How the course played and what’s coming
Firm fairways produced heavy roll on drives — debutant Chris Gotterup averaged about 363 yards off the tee — and warm, dry afternoon conditions are expected to bake the greens. Forecasted mid-80s and low humidity will make the course firmer and less receptive, demanding tighter distance control and smarter misses.
The theme showed up at the par-5 13th. McIlroy spun a 60-yard pitch close enough to convert a birdie, while later players hit similar pitches that bounced off the firmer surface, turning birdie chances into par saves. With greens firming, players warned that thinking about the best miss and dialing in distance will be crucial.
“There’s going to have to be a lot of patience,” Reed said. “You know it’s going to get fast, and it’s going to take a lot of patience. You’re going to have to hit the ball solid and put the ball in the right spots.”
Who disappointed in round one
Jon Rahm, carrying momentum from recent results, struggled to a 6-over 78. His iron play and putting were below par—he lost strokes with his irons and three-putted four times—leaving him effectively out of contention after 18 holes.
Bryson DeChambeau also faltered, closing with a 4-over 76. After reaching the turn even, he found a right greenside bunker at the par-4 11th and took three swings to escape, posting a triple-bogey 7. He blamed misjudged yardage and softer-than-expected sand.
The cut battle
The projected 36-hole cut looks to settle around 4 over, putting several notable names in danger. Bubba Watson, Sungjae Im, Nicolai Højgaard and DeChambeau are hovering near the line. Patrick Cantlay, Harry Hall and Maverick McNealy are at 5 over; Min Woo Lee, Fred Couples and Jon Rahm are 6 over; Brian Harman is 7 over and Robert MacIntyre sits at 8 over. Harry Hall said he plans equipment tweaks—testing two drivers, a new putter and changes to his ball and iron setup—to try to generate more spin and control.
Bottom line
Augusta is poised to get tougher, placing a premium on precision, spin control and tactical misses. McIlroy’s fluid start and belief after last year’s win make him a favorite to stay near the top, while proven Augusta performers like Scheffler, Rose, Reed and Schauffele should remain in the mix. Several big names who faltered on Thursday face a must-go-low Friday if they hope to see the weekend.