Rory McIlroy ignites title defense in 2026 Masters, while golf legends blast LIV Golf players

The 90th Masters Tournament 2026 kicked off on Thursday at Augusta National. Defending champion Rory McIlroy started slow but surged with three straight birdies on holes 13-15, according to The Augusta Chronicle. He has tied Sam Burns for the lead at 5-under par.

McIlroy, chasing back-to-back green jackets and a title defense after last year's Grand Slam win, birdied No. 2 early. His group struggled at first, but he turned in 34, The Augusta Chronicle relays. Cooler winds challenged the morning wave.

Early leaders set hot pace

Nineteen players eyed par or better amid breezy starts, per Augusta Chronicle updates. Sam Burns grabbed the solo lead at 5-under with a birdie on the par-5 15th. Additionally, Patrick Reed, the 2018 winner, rocketed to 5-under via two eagles on the front nine. He became the sixth player to start birdie-eagle at Augusta, according to The Augusta Chronicle.

Kurt Kitayama hit 4-under. Shane Lowry posted 2-under with an eagle, four birdies, a bogey and double. As reported by The Augusta Chronicle, Kristoffer Reitan, a Norwegian, reached 3-under on birdies and an eagle, stunning fans. Haotong Li carded the first under-par round at 71. 

Amazon Prime debuted Masters TV coverage at 1 p.m. ET, featuring groups and Amen Corner. Options included holes 15 and 16.

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Legends fire on former LIV Golf players

Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson launched the tournament with ceremonial tee shots. Player, 90, added a high leg kick. Watson then slammed the PGA Tour’s decisions on LIV Golf defectors.

“The tour made a decision to renege on what they promised when the players left for LIV,” Watson, 76, said, according toYahoo Sports. He called for lifetime bans, not $5 million charity payments.

“If I was commissioner, that's what I would do,” Watson added, Yahoo Sports reported. He urged LIV players to grind the Korn Ferry Tour upon return. Sponsors suffered without conflicting event rules, he claimed.

Reed, a LIV player with restored membership along with Brooks Koepka, led early despite the barbs. Watson stood firm in his claim: Players chose money over loyalty. The 11-green-jacket trio stirred debate before birdies flew.