The 90th Masters Tournament is underway at Augusta National Golf Club, and European golfers are hoping to make their mark in the opening round on Thursday. As the world’s best players tackle the famous Georgia course, fans on this side of the Atlantic will be following the scores with particular interest — especially with Rory McIlroy once again carrying the hopes of British and Irish golf in his pursuit of the career Grand Slam.
Masters Leaderboard 2026: Where Things Stand
Round 1 at Augusta began on Thursday morning, with tee times starting at 7:40am ET (12:40pm UK time). The field features 89 players competing for the right to wear the coveted green jacket, and the early scoring reflects the challenge of Augusta’s notoriously tricky greens and tree-lined fairways. As the morning unfolds, the leaderboard is taking shape, with players navigating the course in mixed scoring conditions typical of an Augusta spring morning.
Haotong Li, the Chinese golfer who has shown consistent form on the European tour in recent seasons, was among the early pace-setters. Li’s ability to control his ball flight and manage Augusta’s demanding slopes could see him feature prominently as the round progresses. The course tends to suit a certain type of player — one who combines length off the tee with a delicate short game — and Li fits that profile well.
Rory McIlroy: The Grand Slam Quest Continues
No story at Augusta carries more weight among British and Irish fans than Rory McIlroy’s search for the Masters title that would complete his career Grand Slam. The Northern Irishman has won the US Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship, but the green jacket has proved elusive despite several near-misses. In 2011, McIlroy famously led going into the final round before a dramatic collapse. Since then, he has come close on multiple occasions without quite managing to seal the deal.
McIlroy comes into the 2026 Masters in excellent form, having put together a consistent run of results in the early part of the season. His driving has been as powerful as ever, and his putting — historically the aspect of his game most vulnerable to Augusta’s pressure — has shown signs of improvement. Golf fans across the UK will be watching his every shot with a mixture of excitement and familiar nervousness.
Shane Lowry and the Irish Challenge
Shane Lowry, the 2019 Open Championship winner from Clara in County Offaly, is another European with genuine Masters credentials. Lowry has developed into one of the most consistent performers in major championship golf, and his ability to handle the pressure of big events makes him a dangerous contender at Augusta. His ball-striking has been a particular strength, and the Augusta National layout — which rewards those who can shape shots both ways — suits his game.
Lowry is the type of player who builds momentum quietly through a round, and European fans hoping for a home-nations winner will have him on their radar throughout the week.
Tommy Fleetwood and the English Contingent
Tommy Fleetwood is among the English golfers carrying hopes of a strong showing. The Southport-born player has been a reliable performer at Augusta, and his methodical approach to course management gives him a strong foundation from which to compete. Fleetwood’s even temperament — rarely flustered by bad shots, always looking forward — is well-suited to Augusta’s demands.
Matt Fitzpatrick, the US Open champion from Sheffield, and Tyrrell Hatton round out an English contingent with real quality across the board. Combined with the Irish representation, it makes for a strong European presence in the field.
Watching the Masters in the UK
British fans can follow all the action from Augusta National on Sky Sports Golf, which provides comprehensive coverage of all four rounds, including early morning coverage of the first tee times. The Masters broadcast is widely regarded as one of the finest in sport, with Augusta’s exceptional production quality complemented by commentary from some of golf’s most knowledgeable voices. For those who prefer streaming, Now TV offers day passes for those who want access for specific rounds.
With 14 holes on the back nine capable of producing dramatic swings of momentum — particularly Amen Corner, comprising holes 11, 12, and 13 — there is plenty of excitement still to come over four days of competition. European golf fans will be hoping that this year’s Masters ends with one of their own pulling on the green jacket.