Day 1 Highlights at Augusta National

The 89th Masters kicked off with a thrilling Round 1 at Augusta National, showcasing the highs and lows of the game’s elite as they jostle for position heading into Friday.

Justin Rose’s Record-Breaking Start

In a stunning display, Justin Rose shares the lead after Round 1 for a remarkable fifth time! At 44, he becomes the oldest player to achieve this since Fred Couples did it at 50 in 2010. Rose displayed his mastery on the greens, leading by a striking margin in strokes gained putting.

Despite his previous heartbreaks in major tournaments—14 top-10 finishes since winning the U.S. Open in 2013—Rose has continued to shine. This marks his ninth time leading or co-leading at the Masters, outpacing many multi-time champions.

A Potential Record-Breaking Victory?

If Rose clinches victory this week, he would not only become the oldest first-time winner but also set a record for most attempts (20) before his first major win. Historically, leading by three strokes after Round 1 in men's majors has led to a win for 44% of players, with an even higher rate of success at the Masters.

Defending Champion's Strong Start

Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, made an impressive mark with a bogey-free 68, just like his opening round last year. However, past champions with similar starts haven’t always carried the momentum to victory.

Scheffler continues to demonstrate his prowess with a stellar first-round scoring average of 69.2 at the Masters, the best among players with five or more starts.

The Rise of Young Talent

Ludvig Åberg, following up on a solid performance last year, showcased his skills again. With remarkable driving accuracy and hitting 15 of 18 greens in regulation, Åberg is proving he’s a force to be reckoned with at Augusta.

Veterans and New Blood Collaborate

Corey Conners, known for his exceptional approach play, surprised everyone with a strong putting performance, gaining nearly three strokes with his putter. He has quietly built a formidable record at the Masters and is still in contention.

Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton both opened with commendable 69s, bringing their competitive edge to this prestigious tournament.

A Timeless Performance from Fred Couples

At 65, Fred Couples amazed spectators with a one-under-par 71, setting a remarkable record as the oldest player to shoot under par at the Masters after 42 years.

Rory McIlroy’s Ups-and-Downs

Rory McIlroy seemed poised for a remarkable comeback until disaster struck. After an impressive four-under start, he collapsed at the 15th hole with a double bogey and finished with a performance riddled with mistakes. This marks the seventh consecutive year he’s been six shots or more behind after Round 1.

Nick Dunlap's Historic Struggles

Young player Nick Dunlap made an unfortunate mark in history with a score of 90, the highest by anyone under 50 since 1956. However, he could rebound in Round 2 to set the record for the greatest turnaround in Masters history.

Challenging Course Conditions

The fifth hole proved to be the toughest, averaging over half a stroke over par, with very few players managing to score birdies. The leaderboard is shaping up for an exciting second day!

Stay tuned as the drama and intensity continues to unfold at Augusta!