- Rory McIlroy opened the 2025 Masters with a promising start but faltered late, finishing at even-par 72.
- Justin Rose leads after the first round, marking his record fifth first-round lead at Augusta National.
- Scottie Scheffler continues to impress, aiming for his third green jacket in four years.
- Ludvig Åberg shows resilience, bouncing back from recent struggles to finish strong on Day 1.
- The tournament remains wide open with 54 holes left to play.
Rory McIlroy’s Struggles Continue at Augusta
Rory McIlroy’s quest to complete the career grand slam at the Masters took another hit on Thursday as he struggled to maintain momentum after a promising start. The Northern Irishman opened his 2025 Masters campaign with an even-par 72, a score that, while respectable, left him seven strokes behind first-round leader Justin Rose. McIlroy’s round was a tale of two halves, showcasing both his brilliance and his vulnerability at Augusta National.
McIlroy began his round with confidence, turning in a 3-under 33 on the front nine and navigating the notoriously challenging Amen Corner with precision. However, his fortunes took a sharp turn on the back nine. A disastrous triple bogey on the par-5 15th, where his approach shot rolled into the water, set the stage for a disappointing finish. Another double bogey on the 17th further derailed his round, leaving him with work to do over the next three days.
Justin Rose Shines with Record Fifth First-Round Lead
While McIlroy faltered, Justin Rose delivered a masterclass in consistency and poise. The Englishman carded an impressive 7-under 65, securing his record fifth first-round lead at the Masters. Rose’s performance was highlighted by exceptional putting, as he gained over five strokes on the greens. Despite a bogey on the 18th, his round set the tone for what could be a career-defining week.
Rose, a former U.S. Open champion and Olympic gold medalist, has come close to winning the Masters before, most notably losing in a playoff to Sergio Garcia in 2017. At 44 years old, Rose acknowledged that opportunities to win major championships are becoming rarer but emphasized that he views this stage of his career as an opportunity rather than a pressure point. “I see it all as upside now,” Rose said after his round. “There’s still so much I’d like to achieve, but I’m enjoying the journey.”
Scottie Scheffler Eyes Historic Three-Peat
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler also made his presence felt on Day 1, carding a 4-under 68 to sit three strokes off the lead. Scheffler, who has won two of the last three Masters, is aiming to become only the fourth golfer in history to win back-to-back titles at Augusta National. His round was a model of efficiency, as he methodically picked his spots and avoided major mistakes.
“This is a golf course where there’s a lot of opportunity,” Scheffler said. “I’m happy with where I’m at, but there’s still a lot of work to do.” With his experience and composure, Scheffler remains a strong contender heading into the weekend.
Ludvig Åberg Impresses Amid Challenges
Swedish golfer Ludvig Åberg, who finished runner-up in his Masters debut last year, showed flashes of brilliance despite entering the tournament with less-than-stellar form. Åberg played his first 11 holes in even par before catching fire down the stretch, finishing with a 2-under 70. His birdies on the par-3 12th and par-5 13th showcased his ability to rise to the occasion.
“Augusta is a place where experience plays a big role,” Åberg said. “I’m looking forward to gaining more experience and seeing what the weekend holds.” The young Swede’s performance suggests that he remains a player to watch as the tournament progresses.
With 54 holes remaining, the 2025 Masters is still wide open. Justin Rose’s lead is significant but far from insurmountable, especially with proven champions like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy in the mix. The unpredictable nature of Augusta National ensures that no lead is safe, and the weekend promises plenty of drama. As the players prepare for the second round, all eyes will be on McIlroy to see if he can mount a comeback and keep his grand slam hopes alive. Meanwhile, Rose will aim to build on his strong start, and Scheffler will look to continue his quest for history. One thing is certain: the Masters never fails to deliver unforgettable moments.