Justin Rose Leads the Charge After Round One at the Masters
The 2025 Masters Tournament kicked off under ideal conditions on Thursday, April 10, with mostly sunny skies and a high of 76 degrees Fahrenheit. A gentle southwest wind of 10-15 mph added to the picturesque setting at Augusta National Golf Club, where history was made in the first round.
Justin Rose, the seasoned English golfer, delivered a masterclass performance, carding a stunning 65 (-7) to take a commanding three-stroke lead. This score matches his career-low 18-hole score at the Masters, a feat he previously achieved in 2021 when he finished seventh. At 44 years old, Rose is now the oldest player since Fred Couples in 2010 to lead after 18 holes at this prestigious event. With a remarkable first-nine 31 (-5), Rose showcased his deep understanding of Augusta’s nuances, marking his lowest first-nine score ever at the course.
Rose's impressive start places him among elite company. He has now led or co-led the first round at the Masters five times, surpassing Jack Nicklaus' record of four. Despite leading often, converting those leads into victories has been challenging for Rose, having won only twice out of 19 prior opportunities on the PGA TOUR. However, his resilience and experience make him a formidable contender as the tournament progresses.
Tied for second place are Corey Conners, Scottie Scheffler, and Ludvig Åberg, each finishing with a solid 68 (-4). Conners, celebrating his 200th PGA TOUR start, recorded his first opening round in the 60s at the Masters, matching Mike Weir's Canadian record from 2009. Scheffler, known for his consistency, posted a bogey-free round and achieved his first birdie on hole No. 4 in 21 rounds. Meanwhile, Åberg, fresh off his runner-up finish last year, continued his impressive form with another strong showing, maintaining an 11-under through his first five rounds at Augusta—second only to Jordan Spieth’s historic start.
Other notable performances include Tyrrell Hatton, who carded his lowest opening round at the Masters with a 69 (-3), and Bryson DeChambeau, also tied for fifth, seeking his third major championship title. Veteran Fred Couples provided one of the day’s highlights with a hole-out eagle from 191 yards on the par-4 14th, becoming the second-oldest player to break par at Augusta.
Conversely, Rory McIlroy (E) struggled towards the end, carding two double bogeys in his last four holes, while Nick Dunlap’s opening-round 90 marked the highest 18-hole score on the PGA TOUR since Aguri Iwasaki’s 91 at the 2024 Open Championship.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes remain on Justin Rose, hoping to see if he can defy recent trends and convert his stellar start into a coveted Green Jacket.
