Difficult Start for Fox at Augusta National

Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox battles through a tough first round at Augusta National, finishing five over par after a difficult start. Read the latest from the 2026 Masters.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 5:34 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Recovery from Recent Health Challenges

Fox's performance comes on the heels of a significant health scare just last month. The golfer was hospitalised in March for kidney stone surgery, an ordeal that forced him to withdraw from the Players Championship in Florida. While he expressed confidence in his form leading up to Augusta, stating his "golf is pretty close," the physical and mental toll of the recent medical procedure may have contributed to his slow start in Georgia. This year marks Fox's third appearance at the Masters, with his career-best finish being a tie for 26th in 2023.

Leaderboard Overview and Defending Champion Form

As the first round progresses, the clubhouse is currently led by American Sam Burns and defending champion Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland. Both players carded impressive five under par 67s, setting a high bar for the rest of the field. McIlroy, seeking to maintain his green jacket, showed early dominance with a morning start, while roughly half the field has yet to complete their initial 18 holes. The leaderboard remains fluid as afternoon conditions at Augusta National often present increased difficulty for the later starters.

Historic Momentum and Previous Successes

Despite the difficult opening at Augusta, Fox’s 2026 season has already seen highlights, including a top-10 finish on the PGA Tour in February that earned him a million-dollar payday. His 2025 season was particularly notable, highlighted by a victory at the Canadian Open—his second tour title within a single month. This history of high-level performance suggests that while the opening 77 is a setback, Fox possesses the scoring ability to claw back into contention if he can find his rhythm during Friday's second round.