Justin Rose Leads Masters After Stunning Round
Justin Rose, at 44 years old, is leading the 2025 Masters after a breathtaking first round of 65 (-7), marking his fifth time leading after the opening day – a new Masters record surpassing even Jack Nicklaus. His stellar performance, which included three birdies on the first three holes and a remarkable run from holes 8-10, leaves him three shots ahead of the chasing pack.
A Record-Breaking Round
Rose's 65 matched his best-ever score at Augusta National. He spoke of a "nice special run" from the eighth to the tenth hole that propelled his round. While he admitted to perhaps getting ahead of himself on hole 16, his back nine performance remained strong, securing a commanding lead. This remarkable achievement highlights his experience and skill on this challenging course.
Chasing the Green Jacket: Scheffler and McIlroy
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler sits comfortably in second place at four under par, alongside Ludvig Åberg and Corey Conners. Scheffler, while acknowledging the firmness of the greens, expressed satisfaction with his bogey-free 68. Conversely, Rory McIlroy's day took a turn for the worse after a promising start. Double bogeys on the 15th and 17th holes saw him finish at even par, seven shots behind Rose.
Other Notable Performances
Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau are tied for fifth place at -3. Meanwhile, Matthieu Pavon struggled with the course's complexity, ending the day at +6. The leaderboard showcases a tight race, with many players still within striking distance of the leaders.
What's Next?
Rose's lead is significant, but with the unpredictable nature of Augusta National, nothing is certain. Scheffler’s consistent performance and the potential for other players to make a surge means the race for the green jacket is far from over. The second round promises more excitement as the contenders battle for a place in the weekend's action. Follow the live scores and updates to witness the unfolding drama at the Masters!
Keywords: Justin Rose, Masters Tournament, Augusta National, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, golf, leaderboard, 2025 Masters, golf news, Masters 2025, golf scores