AUGUSTA, Ga. — Justin Rose shined during the Masters, matching his best score with an impressive 7-under 65. His performance was nearly nine shots better than the average, catching everyone’s attention in a tournament often dominated by stars like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.
Rose’s day started strong with three birdies in a row on the front nine. Despite a bogey on the last hole, he left the course with a three-shot lead over Scheffler, Ludvig Aberg, and Corey Conners. Rose expressed his excitement about his game, saying, “When I have been playing well, I feel like I have been competing at a high level.”
Scheffler also had a solid day with a bogey-free 68, showing his skills as he aims for a third Masters championship in four years. Meanwhile, McIlroy struggled, finishing with a 72 after two late double bogeys. This marks his seventh consecutive first-round score over par at the Masters, which only adds to the pressure he faces in his quest for a career Grand Slam.
What’s notable is that Rose set a Masters record by sharing the 18-hole lead for the fifth time, surpassing golf legend Jack Nicklaus. However, unlike Nicklaus, who has six green jackets, Rose is still searching for his first win at Augusta. He reflected on his chances: "I’ve played well enough to win this tournament. I just feel like I don’t have the jacket to prove it."
Rose displayed remarkable skill with key putts throughout the day, including an impressive 20-foot birdie on the par-3 16th. The course conditions added to the challenge; many players struggled, with the average score being 73.6, and only six managed to shoot below 70. Viktor Hovland commented on the difficulty, stating, “Those greens are so firm… this is probably the firmest it’s been on a Thursday.”
In a surprising turn, Fred Couples—at 65 years old—became only the second player of his age to shoot under par at the Masters, notching a remarkable 71. However, the day was tough for some, like Nick Dunlap, who ended with a staggering 90, the highest score seen at Augusta since 2015.
Amidst these swinging highs and lows, Rose’s round stood out, almost feeling like a perfect game to him. He noted the unique flow of his play, describing moments when he felt “more on the special side.”
With a career spanning over two decades, Rose understands the landscape of professional golf. At 44, he acknowledges the challenges he faces as he ages. “Golf is not going to get easier for me in the next five, 10 years,” he said. “So your opportunity is less going forward.”
As the tournament unfolds, Rose sets the stage for an exciting Masters, reminding fans why he remains a contender worthy of attention.
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