AUGUSTA, Ga. — The opening round of the Masters Tournament witnessed an impressive performance from Justin Rose, who shot a remarkable 7-under 65 to take a three-shot lead. This score matches his personal best at Augusta National, allowing him to shine amidst a field that included notable competitors like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.
Scheffler, striving for his third Masters victory in just four years, played solidly with a bogey-free round of 68. His steady play kept him well in contention, showing the skills that earned him his past titles. Meanwhile, McIlroy, who is desperate for a Masters victory to complete his Grand Slam, faced challenges that led him to finish the day with a 72. Two late double bogeys from careless mistakes marred his round, adding to his frustration as he has now failed to break 70 in the opening round for the seventh consecutive year.
Rose got off to a phenomenal start, making three consecutive birdies right out of the gate. He continued his aggressive play by adding three more birdies as he made the turn. Despite finishing the round with a bogey after a poor tee shot into the trees on the final hole, Rose’s performance was a strong reminder of his abilities. At 44 years old, he is aware that opportunities to succeed in golf may become fewer over time, making this performance even more significant for him.
“I’m 44. Golf is not going to get easier for me in the next five, 10 years,” Rose said, reflecting on his aging career. “You have to make the most of it.” His round showcased skill and experience, and he noted that he felt capable of winning the tournament in the past, mentioning a close call when he lost to Sergio Garcia in a playoff in 2017.
In addition to his strong showing, Rose set a Masters record by leading after the first round for the fifth time, breaking the previous record held by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Although Nicklaus has secured six green jackets, Rose’s achievement speaks to his consistent strong play at Augusta.
Joining Rose near the top of the leaderboard were Canadian golfer Corey Conners and Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg, both finishing the day at 68. U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton each came in with a score of 69, marking their presence during the tournament. DeChambeau, known for his powerful style, showed balance in his play, not shying away from mistakes. “Making some bogeys for me probably frees me up a little bit,” he said, illustrating a relaxed mindset that allowed him to stay competitive.
The first round also featured notable moments, demonstrating the ups and downs of tournament golf. Veteran Fred Couples, at 65, made headlines by breaking par, becoming the second oldest player to do so, and showcasing his resilience and skill. He holed out from the fairway at the 14th hole to secure a 71. However, it was a tough day for amateur golfer Nick Dunlap, who finished with a score of 90, the highest score recorded since Ben Crenshaw.
Other players had their share of struggles as well, with some unexpected outcomes, including bad luck for Hideki Matsuyama, whose shot hit the pin only to bounce into a tributary of Rae’s Creek. Nicolai Hojgaard had a wild round filled with an eagle and numerous ups and downs, ultimately finishing with a 76.
Back on the course, Rose continued his strong play, feeling at one point as if he were throwing a no-hitter in baseball. With a brilliant front nine, he secured birdies that quickly separated him from the pack. “That’s when I felt I was doing something potentially more on the special side,” he remarked, indicating a sense of confidence in his game.
Despite finishing with a bogey, Rose’s day was still viewed as a significant success with the average score around 73.6 and only six players managing to break 70. “Overall, great day,” he commented. As the tournament continues, the path to his first Masters victory remains open, and Rose is determined to take advantage of every opportunity that comes his way.
