Rory McIlroy surged to a six-shot lead at the 2026 Masters after rounds of 67 and 65, but the cut claimed several prominent golfers at Augusta National. Bryson DeChambeau, a pre-tournament favorite, posted 76-74 for 6 over par and exited early due to late collapses. Other surprises include recent winners and major contenders who faltered.
Rory McIlroy began his title defense with a 5-under 67 in the first round, followed by a blistering 7-under 65 on Friday, positioning him well ahead of challengers like Patrick Reed and Justin Rose heading into the weekend rounds at Augusta National. The cut fell around 5 over par, sending home unexpected names despite their recent form and pedigrees in majors. McIlroy's strong play contrasted sharply with the struggles of others. Bryson DeChambeau, fresh off two LIV Golf victories, suffered a triple bogey on the par-4 11th in round one after bunker trouble. On Friday, he birdied the 15th to near the cut line but ended with another triple bogey 7 on 18, finishing at 6 over. Robert MacIntyre unraveled with a quadruple-bogey 9 on the 15th Thursday after an 80, managing only a 71 Friday for 7 over. Akshay Bhatia, winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, went out in 3 under Friday but came home in 7 over, including a double on 18, for 6 over total. J.J. Spaun, the 2025 U.S. Open champion and recent Valero Texas Open winner, shot 74-75 for 5 over. Cameron Smith continued a streak of six straight missed major cuts with 74-77, while Min Woo Lee managed just two birdies in 78-77 for 11 over. Veteran Fred Couples, 66, started hot at 2 under but collapsed with quad and double bogeys, finishing 78-75 for 9 over. Aldrich Potgieter opened with an 84, and two-time champion Bubba Watson birdied late Friday but bogeyed 18 for 76-73 and 5 over. According to Golf.com reporter Josh Schrock, these early exits highlight the unforgiving nature of Augusta National even for top talents.