The 89th Masters Tournament has kicked off at Augusta National Golf Club, marking the first major championship of the men’s golf season. The event began with a traditional Honorary Starter Ceremony, featuring golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson. This year’s tournament sees a field of 95 players competing for the coveted green jacket.
Justin Rose has emerged as the leader after the first round, achieving an impressive score of 7 under 65. His performance has positioned him three strokes ahead of the competition, showcasing his exceptional skill and strategy on the course. Rose’s success can be attributed to his impressive putting, which has been a key factor in his commanding lead.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, along with Corey Conners and last year’s runner-up Ludvig Aberg, are tied for second place at 4 under par. Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, is aiming for consecutive Masters titles and has demonstrated his readiness for the challenge. His bogey-free round on the first day marks a strong start to his campaign.
Rory McIlroy, who is seeking a career Grand Slam, faced significant challenges during his first round. Despite starting strongly with a 3-under score on the front nine, McIlroy’s performance faltered with double bogeys on the 15th and 17th holes. He finished the day at even par, leaving his hopes of securing a first green jacket uncertain.
Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau both finished their rounds with a score of 3 under 69, placing them four shots behind Rose. Meanwhile, Fred Couples made history as the second-oldest player to complete a Masters round under par, following in the footsteps of Tom Watson.
The tournament is being broadcast on ESPN for the first two rounds, with CBS taking over the final rounds on Saturday and Sunday. Additional coverage is available through streaming options on Masters.com, the Masters app, ESPN+ and Paramount+.
As the tournament progresses, predictions suggest that the cut line for the 2025 Masters could be around 2 over par. The competition remains fierce, with several top players vying for the top spot. The next rounds will be crucial in determining who will emerge as the ultimate champion of the 2025 Masters.
Although, the first round of the Masters 2025 has set the stage for an exciting tournament. Justin Rose’s commanding lead and Scottie Scheffler’s strong start highlight the intense competition at Augusta National. As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect thrilling performances and unexpected twists that will keep the excitement alive until the final round.