The Masters
Rory McIlroy begins Masters title defence with Cameron Young and Mason Howell
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Rory McIlroy tees off in the first round of The Masters 2026 at 10.31am local time alongside Cameron Young and US Amateur champion Mason Howell. The world No 2 defends his title after last year's play-off win over Justin Rose, which completed his career Grand Slam. World No 1 Scottie Scheffler starts later with Robert MacIntyre and Gary Woodland.
Geoff Yang, an Augusta National member and veteran USGA rules official, has begun his first year as chairman of the competition committees at The Masters. He joined club chairman Fred Ridley at the annual State of the Masters press conference in Augusta, Georgia. In the role, Yang oversees rules enforcement and course setup.
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Jon Rahm has withdrawn his appeal against DP World Tour sanctions for competing in LIV Golf events without permission, expressing confidence in reaching an agreement to secure his eligibility for Team Europe's Ryder Cup team. Speaking ahead of The Masters, the Spaniard—facing over £2 million in outstanding fines—shifted from earlier criticism of the tour's proposals to optimism about a mutual solution.