McConnell Golf presents ROAD TO AUGUSTA as Ward Clayton breaks down Round 1 of the 2026 Masters with Sam Farmer of the LA Times and Chris Gay, recorded en route to Augusta National.They open with Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns sharing the lead after matching 5‑under 67s, and what Rory's title defense could mean historically. The crew digs into Patrick Reed's 69, his more open media presence, and his public comments about leaving LIV to pursue a full‑time return to the PGA Tour.Gay details Reed's move to Augusta, his early promise, and his starring role in Augusta State's back‑to‑back NCAA men's golf titles in 2010 and 2011, including match‑play wins over national powers. Farmer explains the appeal of "behind‑the‑scenes" Masters journalism, from the green jacket vault to institutional quirks fans never see on TV, then shares the legendary story of 1971 Masters champion Charles Coody and his caddie "Cricket" hiding from television cameras.They close with pre‑ and post‑round winner picks for the rest of the week and what to watch on Friday's moving day.Layout of Show00:00 Road to Augusta intro01:09 Round 1 leaders (Rory & Burns at 67)01:23 Patrick Reed backstory & LIV exit03:46 Augusta State NCAA title runs06:42 Reed's reputation reset08:48 Finding hidden Master's stories10:49 Green jacket vault access13:31 McConnell Golf sponsor break14:59 Pimento cheese mystique16:42 Coody & Cricket story20:14 Picks after Thursday22:38 Friday moving‑day previewWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState