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🏌️♂️ Justin Rose Leads Masters 2025 as McIlroy Fades Late
England’s Justin Rose made a bold statement in the first round of the 2025 Masters, delivering a brilliant 7-under-par 65 at Augusta National. The 44-year-old veteran used his vast experience to play smart, consistent golf, and as a result, he leads the field by three strokes after Day 1.
Rose started hot with three birdies in his first three holes and continued his strong form around the turn. Although he missed a chance to tie the Augusta course record of 63, his 65 was still a stunning performance. In fact, it was his joint-lowest score at Augusta, and it made him the first-round leader at the Masters for a record fifth time.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy looked poised to challenge early on. His front nine was bogey-free and included three birdies, showing the confidence he has built from recent PGA Tour wins. However, his round took a turn late. After a birdie on the 13th, McIlroy’s aggressive chip on the par-five 15th found the water, leading to a double bogey. Things got worse when he made another double on the 17th, leaving him with an even-par 72, a full seven shots behind Rose.
“It was a really good day’s golf on a course that was a stern test,” Rose said post-round, reflecting on both the challenges and his success.
Though disappointed, McIlroy skipped media interviews and headed straight to the practice area, determined to regroup for Round 2.
🔹 Key Highlights:
- 🥇 Rose leads after Round 1 for a record fifth time at Augusta.
- 🎯 Missed tying the course record by just two strokes.
- 📉 McIlroy dropped four strokes in his final four holes.
- 📈 Scottie Scheffler carded a bogey-free 68.
- 🌍 Strong international leaderboard with players from England, Canada, Sweden, and the USA in the top 10.
Other players off to solid starts include world number one Scottie Scheffler, Canada’s Corey Conners, and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg, all finishing at 4-under-par. England’s Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau also kept themselves in the mix with rounds of 69.
Rose is now aiming to claim his first Green Jacket, adding to his 2013 U.S. Open win. If he succeeds, he will become the oldest first-time Masters winner since Mark O’Meara in 1998.
On the other hand, McIlroy continues to chase the elusive career Grand Slam, and he’ll need a big comeback over the next three rounds to stay in contention.
📊 First-Round Leaderboard Summary:
- -7: Justin Rose (ENG)
- -4: Scottie Scheffler (USA), Corey Conners (CAN), Ludvig Aberg (SWE)
- -3: Tyrrell Hatton (ENG), Bryson DeChambeau (USA)
- Level: Rory McIlroy (NIR), Collin Morikawa (USA), Sergio Garcia (SPA)
