By The Capital Sports Report Wire Service
The 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club began with the kind of drama, precision, and emotional highs that have defined this storied event for nearly a century. As the azaleas bloomed and the Georgia pines cast long shadows across the fairways, the world’s best golfers set out in pursuit of the coveted green jacket. By the end of Thursday’s first round, it was Justin Rose who stood alone atop the leaderboard, his name etched in Masters history yet again, while defending champion Scottie Scheffler, Canada’s Corey Conners, and rising star Ludvig Åberg kept the pressure on, all tied for second place.
A Historic Start: Justin Rose’s Record Fifth 18-Hole Lead
Justin Rose, the Englishman with a penchant for Augusta’s undulating greens, delivered a masterclass in course management and putting, carding a 7-under-par 65. This marked the fifth time Rose has led the Masters after 18 holes—a new tournament record. His round was a tapestry of eight birdies, a single bogey, and a series of clutch putts that left the field three shots adrift.
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“Yeah, obviously delighted to get off to such a great start, and that start definitely, it happened out of the gates,” Rose said in the post-round press conference. “For the first few holes everything was going exactly where I was looking, and certainly the first hole, which is one of the trickier holes on the golf course, to knock in a nice 25-footer down the hill right-to-left, exactly what you need to settle yourself into the Masters.”
Rose’s early momentum was palpable. He birdied the first, second, and third holes, quickly vaulting to 3-under through three. Even when he found trouble—like a tough par save on the fifth—he responded with poise, holing a critical putt to keep his round on track. The back nine saw more fireworks, with Rose making key up-and-downs on 14 and 15 to maintain his lead.
“When you shoot 7-under and clip a major championship field by three, you have to do a lot of things well, and the putter was a big part of it,” Rose reflected. “There was only one putt I feel like I missed really, 13. My whole group had trouble around that pin. It was so fast.”
The Chase Pack: Scheffler, Conners, and Åberg at -4
While Rose’s brilliance stole the headlines, the trio of Scottie Scheffler, Corey Conners, and Ludvig Åberg quietly assembled rounds of 68 (-4), positioning themselves as the primary threats heading into Friday.
Scottie Scheffler: The Defending Champion’s Steady Hand
Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player, and defending champion, played a bogey-free round—an achievement matched by only three other defending champions in the last thirty years. His 68 was a study in calm efficiency, highlighted by a pair of long birdie putts: a 62-footer at the par-3 fourth and a 40-footer at the 16th.
“Anytime you can maintain a clean scorecard out here, it’s a significant achievement,” Scheffler said. “I kept the ball in play and accomplished a lot of good things out there.”
Scheffler’s only real tests came on the 7th and 17th, where he saved par with deft chips from greenside bunkers. He finished with a solid par at 18, his approach shot rolling to within ten feet and left the course tied for second, two shots behind Rose.
Corey Conners: Canada’s Quiet Contender
Corey Conners, often overlooked in the pre-tournament chatter, delivered his best-ever Masters opening round with a 68. The Canadian, who has a history of strong finishes at Augusta, overcame early adversity with a chip-in for par on the seventh and closed with a flourish, birdieing three of his last four holes.
“This is a golf course I truly enjoy visiting. It’s hard not to appreciate coming here; it’s an incredible event and a remarkable course,” Conners said. “I feel that the layout suits my game well and aligns with my strengths.”
Conners’ confidence on Augusta’s notoriously fast greens was evident.
“They’re incredibly fast. You don’t have to exert much effort to reach the hole. I believe my rhythm is in a good place,” he added. “I’m confident in my ability to start the ball online, and I managed to sink some nice putts today.”
Ludvig Åberg: The Swedish Sensation
Ludvig Åberg, last year’s runner-up, continued his impressive form with a 68 of his own, joining Scheffler and Conners in a tie for second. Åberg’s round was marked by consistency and a fearless approach to Augusta’s challenges, signaling that he remains a force to be reckoned with.
Leaderboard After Round One
Position Player Score To Par
1 Justin Rose 65 -7
T2 Scottie Scheffler 68 -4
T2 Corey Conners 68 -4
T2 Ludvig Åberg 68 -4
T5 Bryson DeChambeau 69 -3
T5 Tyrrell Hatton 69 -3
T7 Akshay Bhatia 70 -2
T7 Jason Day 70 -2
T7 Harris English 70 -2
T7 Aaron Rai 70 -2
Notable Moments and Player Quotes
Rory McIlroy: A Rocky Start in Pursuit of the Grand Slam
Rory McIlroy, seeking the elusive career grand slam, finished with an even-par 72, tied for 27th. His round was a rollercoaster, highlighted by a double bogey on the 15th that derailed his momentum. Despite the setback, McIlroy remained optimistic.
“It’s Augusta. You know you’re going to face adversity at some point. I just have to stay patient and keep giving myself chances,” McIlroy said after his round.
Fred Couples and Collin Morikawa: Early Eagles
The honorary starters—Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson—set the tone for the day, but it was Fred Couples who made the first eagle of the tournament on the 14th, followed by Collin Morikawa’s eagle at the 13th. These moments drew roars from the patrons and reminded everyone of Augusta’s capacity for magic.
Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton: Power and Precision
Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton both posted 69s (-3), keeping themselves within striking distance. DeChambeau’s aggressive play was on full display, while Hatton’s precision around the greens paid dividends.
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The Course: Augusta National’s Subtle Defenses
Augusta National played firm and fast, with greens that tested even the steadiest hands. The projected cut line hovered around +2, and several big names found themselves in danger of missing the weekend unless they could rally on Friday.
“The greens are just so quick. You have to be so precise with your approach shots, and even then, you’re not guaranteed a two-putt,” said Harris English, who finished with a 70 (-2).
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