Rory McIlroy begins Masters title defence with Cameron Young and Mason Howell

08 de abril de 2026

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.

The 90th Masters tournament gets under way Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, with a field of 91 players. McIlroy, the first player since Tiger Woods to hold all four majors simultaneously after his 2025 victory, aims to become just the fourth to win back-to-back Green Jackets. Cameron Young recently won The Players Championship and seeks to follow Scheffler and McIlroy in winning both events in the same season.

O que as pessoas estão dizendo

X discussions center on Rory McIlroy's Masters 2026 title defense tee-off with Cameron Young and US Amateur champion Mason Howell. Excitement surrounds Howell's debut, highlighted by a heartwarming story of McIlroy gifting him a signed ball a decade ago. Users note Young's strong form as a contender, while some view the pairing as a tough challenge for the young amateur. Betting interest focuses on low Round 1 scores from McIlroy and Young.

Our guy at The Masters! ⛳️🌺

Mason Howell will play with Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young Thursday and Friday. pic.twitter.com/nQ9HrHQA5v

— Georgia Golf (@UGAGolf) April 9, 2026

"That would be a power move."

Full circle moment: U.S Amateur Champion Mason Howell will tee off alongside defending @TheMasters champion Rory McIlroy on Thursday.

Rory gave Mason him a ball at a TOUR Championship back in 2016 and has had it ever since. @WJBFSports pic.twitter.com/T23HQgHTeZ

— Gianna Cefalu (@GiannaCefaluTV) April 8, 2026

Life is so crazy sometimes 🥰

In 2016, Rory McIlroy signed a ball “Rors” and gave it to a young fan named Mason Howell at the Tour Championship.

Now, 10 years later, Howell is making his Masters debut tomorrow ... IN RORY’S GROUP!

And he's kept the ball ever since 😍 pic.twitter.com/fWOifbSxf1

— cllct (@cllctMedia) April 8, 2026

The fan in me has me rolling with my guy Rory McIlroy to defend his title this weekend at The Masters. That said, Cam Young is in fantastic form and could absolutely come away with the green jacket. pic.twitter.com/iDHbunKB83

— Jake Hurricane (@BigJakeCLE) April 8, 2026

Tough love at The Masters. Throw an 18 year amateur Mason Howell in the group with Cam Young and Rory McIlroy. Got get 'em kid.

— Hidabed (@hidabed2010) April 9, 2026

Fontes

• https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176/13529496/the-masters-2026-leaderboard-latest-golf-scores-from-augusta-national-and-tee-times-for-opening-major-of-the-year
• https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176/13528937/the-masters-tee-times-rory-mcilroy-grouped-with-cameron-young-for-first-two-rounds-of-title-defence-at-augusta-national
• https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176/13529004/the-masters-2026-tee-times-full-r1-groupings-and-uk-start-times-for-first-round-at-augusta-national