Rory McIlroy. Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Rory McIlroy inches closer to Jack Nicklaus after opening round at The Masters

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 5:19 PM ET

As of Thursday afternoon, Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns were tied atop the leaderboard for The Masters with both golfers shooting five-under (67) through the first day.

McIlroy, who won The Masters in 2025, started this event with a stellar score, which included three straight birdies on Nos. 13-15 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.

As a result, that marked McIlroy’s 41st career major championship round with a 67 or better, putting him one behind both Phil Mickelson and Jack Nicklaus.

McIlroy put together his second-lowest opening score at The Masters this time.

Most rounds of 67 or better – men's major championships since 1st Masters held in 1934:

Tiger Woods, 48
Jack Nicklaus, 42
Phil Mickelson, 42
Rory McIlroy, 41 (including today)
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) April 9, 2026

In the 2025 event, McIlroy nearly blew it with a missed putt on the 18th green. However, McIlroy won the playoff against Justin Rose as McIlroy notched the career Grand Slam by winning The Masters.

A golfer winning The Masters in back-to-back years is very rare, and it has only happened three times in history, with Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo the only ones to accomplish the feat. Woods was the most recent back-to-back winner, with that happening in 2001-2002.

After the first day, Rory McIlroy has set himself up nicely to win the event once again.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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