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Masters 2026: Top contenders emerge in early leaderboard action

Masters 2026: Top contenders emerge in early leaderboard action

The 2026 Masters Tournament is underway at Augusta National Golf Club, with top players competing for golf’s most prestigious prize, the green jacket. As of 10:15 a.m. ET, the leaderboard is beginning to take shape, with several elite contenders positioning themselves early in the competition.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy returns after completing a career Grand Slam in 2025 and now faces the challenge of repeating his success. He is joined by strong contenders including Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele, and Ludvig Åberg, all aiming to secure a top position.

The tournament officially began with Round 1 on Thursday, April 9, 2026, with the earliest tee time at 7:40 a.m. ET. The event will continue through Sunday, April 12, 2026, when the winner will be crowned.

Ahead of the main event, Aaron Rai won the traditional Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, though historically no winner of that event has gone on to claim the Masters title in the same year.

Broadcast coverage spans multiple platforms throughout the four-day tournament, with morning and afternoon sessions airing across streaming services and major networks. As competition intensifies, the leaderboard is expected to shift rapidly, setting up a compelling race heading into the weekend rounds.

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