Masters 2026: Rory McIlroy makes confident start to Augusta defence

Nearly all the talk about Rory McIlroy in the build-up to this year’s Masters is about flash.

By comparison, the discussion of his play seemed somewhat neglected.

When last year’s winner was finally able to focus on his golf on Thursday, McIlroy reminded everyone that he wasn’t just at Augusta this week to serve the Champions Dinner.

It’s here to play. And he’s here to win.

The 36-year-old player from Northern Ireland shared the first round leadership with American Sam Burns by carding a five-under-par 67 and galvanized everyone who was sleeping about his chance to go back-to-back.

McIlroy was among 16 players in the 91-man field to finish below par, and conditions are expected to get tougher and faster over the next three days.

England’s Justin Rose, who was bitterly denied his first Green Jacket by McIlroy in a frustrating play-off match last year, sits three shots behind the leaders and two points below world number one Scottie Scheffler.

“I think winning one Masters makes it easier to win the second one,” said McIlroy, who aims to join Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as the only Masters holders.

“It’s hard to say because there are still shots out there where you feel a little nervous and you just have to stand up and be determined to make a good shot and not worry about where it’s going to go.

“But when I know I can go into the champions’ locker room and put on my Green Jacket, it’s easier for me to take those shots and not worry about where it’s going to go.”