By The Capital Sports Report Wire Service
The 2024 Masters at Augusta National began with a thrilling first round on Thursday, April 11, as the world’s best golfers took on one of the most iconic courses in the sport. Bryson DeChambeau emerged as the leader after a sensational performance, while Scottie Scheffler and Max Homa stayed hot on his heels. The day was filled with remarkable shots, emotional comebacks, and the promise of an unforgettable tournament.
Bryson DeChambeau (-7): A Career-Best Round
Bryson DeChambeau stole the show on Day 1, carding a career-best 7-under-par 65 at Augusta National. His round featured eight birdies and just one bogey, showcasing his ability to overpower the course while maintaining precision with his irons and putter.
DeChambeau’s aggressive approach was evident from the start. On the par-5 2nd hole, he reached the green in two and calmly two-putted for birdie. His highlight of the day came at Amen Corner’s par-3 12th hole, where he stuck his tee shot to within six feet and drained the birdie putt.
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“I felt like I placed the golf ball in the right spots today,” DeChambeau said after his round. “I didn’t put myself into too many poor positions. I got a couple of good breaks, but for the most part, I rolled it well, drove it well, hit my irons pretty well, and took advantage when opportunities presented themselves.”
DeChambeau’s performance gave him a one-shot lead heading into Friday, marking a strong start in his quest for a first green jacket.
Scottie Scheffler (-6): The World No. 1 Stays Close
Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer and 2022 Masters champion, delivered a steady and composed performance to finish one stroke behind DeChambeau at 6-under-par. Scheffler’s round of 66 included six birdies and no bogeys—a testament to his consistency.
Scheffler’s ability to stay out of trouble was key to his success on Thursday. On the par-4 10th hole, he drained a tricky 15-foot birdie putt to maintain momentum heading into Augusta’s challenging back nine. His calm demeanor and precise ball-striking kept him in contention throughout the day.
“Augusta is all about patience,” Scheffler said post-round. “You have to pick your spots and trust your game plan. I felt I executed well today and gave myself plenty of chances.”
Max Homa (-5): A Strong Start
Max Homa continued his impressive form with a solid opening round of 5-under-par 67, placing him in third alongside Nicolai Højgaard. Homa’s round included five birdies and no bogeys, demonstrating his ability to handle Augusta’s demanding layout.
Homa started strong with birdies on holes 2 and 3 before settling into a rhythm of smart course management. His birdie on the par-5 15th hole was particularly noteworthy, as he reached the green in two shots and narrowly missed an eagle putt.
“It feels great to get off to a good start here,” Homa said. “This course demands respect—every shot needs your full attention. I’m happy with how I played today.”
Notable Performances
Nicolai Højgaard (-5)
Danish rookie Nicolai Højgaard impressed in his Masters debut by shooting a bogey-free 67 to tie for third place with Max Homa. His fearless approach and sharp iron play earned him birdies on holes 8, 13, and 15.
Danny Willett (-4)
2016 Masters champion Danny Willett made an emotional return after shoulder surgery last year, carding a solid 68 (-4). Willett opened with a birdie on the first hole—the tournament’s first under-par score—and added three more birdies on Augusta’s back nine.
“I’ve worked so hard to get back here,” Willett said. “To play well in Round 1 means everything.”
Tiger Woods: A Historic Day
Tiger Woods made headlines by setting a record for consecutive cuts made at the Masters (24). While Woods’ opening-round score of even-par 72 left him tied for 32nd place, it was clear that his love for Augusta remains undiminished.
“Every time I come here, it feels special,” Woods said. “The history of this place is unmatched.”
Key Moments from Round 1
- Amen Corner Dominance: DeChambeau’s birdie at the par-3 12th highlighted his control over one of Augusta’s most treacherous stretches.
- Record-Breaking Scoring at Hole 8: The par-5 8th saw an unprecedented number of par-breaking scores—50 birdies and three eagles.
- Højgaard’s Debut Birdies: The rookie capitalized on Augusta’s scoring opportunities without showing any signs of nerves.
Leaderboard After Round 1
| Position | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryson DeChambeau | -7 |
| 2 | Scottie Scheffler | -6 |
| T3 | Max Homa | -5 |
| T3 | Nicolai Højgaard | -5 |
| 5 | Danny Willett | -4 |
Quotes from Players
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- DeChambeau: “It feels great to start strong here at Augusta. This course tests every part of your game.”
- Scheffler: “I’m happy with how I stayed patient out there today.”
- Homa: “Augusta demands respect—you can’t force things here.”
- Willett: “Coming back from injury has been tough, but this is where I belong.”
Final Thoughts
The first round of the 2024 Masters set an exciting tone for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament. With Bryson DeChambeau leading by one stroke over Scottie Scheffler and Max Homa in close pursuit, fans can look forward to more drama as these top players battle for golf’s most coveted prize—the green jacket.
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