McIlroy atop Masters leaderboard again, while DeChambeau and Rahm will have to fight to make the cut
Defending champion Rory McIlroy picked up where he left off a year ago. For a couple other big names at the Masters, just making the cut is no guarantee.
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Defending champion Rory McIlroy picked up where he left off a year ago. For a couple other big names at the Masters, just making the cut is no guarantee.
McIlroy and Sam Burns enter the second round tied for first after opening with 5-under 67s at Augusta National. Those within striking distance include past champions Patrick Reed and Scottie Scheffler, plus a few others who have come close here in Justin Rose, Jason Day, Shane Lowry and Xander Schauffele. Further back, a couple LIV Golf stars aren’t yet certain of making the weekend.
Bryson DeChambeau shot 76 on Thursday, and Jon Rahm was two shots worse. “It’s a hard golf course,” Rahm said. “Some of the players might have been able to manage a respectable round, but when you have no feel with the swing whatsoever, it’s just not an easy one.
” McIlroy shot one of his best first rounds ever at the Masters, seemingly unburdened by the pressure of the year’s first major after finally winning it last year to complete the career grand slam. Afterward, however, he said — gratefully — that he still felt some nerves. “I was anxious just like I always am on that first tee.