The Masters is always a spectacle, and the first round of the 90th edition did not disappoint. With the course playing firm and fast, the field's scoring average of 74.65 was the highest since 2017, adding an extra layer of challenge for the players. Among the early leaders, Rory McIlroy stood out, exuding a newfound freedom that seemed to have eluded him in previous years. His opening-round 67, just one shot off the lowest-ever first-round score by a defending champion, was a testament to his improved form.
McIlroy's performance was particularly impressive given his history at Augusta National. For over a decade, he faced the same set of questions every year, but now, with the burden of history lifted, he is playing with a confidence that was absent in the past. His approach play was exceptional, gaining three strokes on the field in strokes gained approach, and he birdied all four par 5s, a feat he hadn't achieved since 2019. This consistency and freedom from past pressures are what make McIlroy a force to be reckoned with this year.
However, the real surprise of the day was Sam Burns, who nearly broke through with his first major win last summer at Oakmont. Unlike McIlroy, Burns has a relatively short resume at the Masters, but his performance on Thursday was a complete turnaround from his previous eight rounds, where he was a combined 20 over par. Burns led the field in greens in regulation and strokes gained tee to green, showcasing his improved form and consistency.
The day also saw the return of Justin Rose, who, despite a bogey-bogey finish, is in contention yet again to win the green jacket. His opening-round score of 2 under par is the best such score in tournament history, and he hit 14 of 18 greens in regulation, a total bettered by just three players in the field on Day 1. Rose is trying to become the first man to win the Masters the year after finishing runner-up, and at 45 years old, he would be the oldest Masters winner since Nicklaus in 1986.
In contrast, two of the pre-tournament favorites, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, had disappointing days. DeChambeau shot 76, marred by a triple-bogey 7 on the 11th hole, while Rahm, who averaged nearly six birdies or better per round on LIV Golf this season, failed to make a single birdie in his Masters career. These performances highlight the unpredictability and excitement of the Masters, where even the favorites can have off days.
The first round also saw the emergence of Scottie Scheffler, who played the first three holes in 3 under, his best opening three holes to any round in his Masters career. Despite not making a single birdie the rest of the afternoon, he is positioned to be a factor in this tournament yet again. With a win this week, Scheffler would be the first player in tournament history to win three green jackets in his first seven career starts, eclipsing the record of eight shared by Arnold Palmer, Nicklaus, and Woods.
In conclusion, the first round of the Masters was a thrilling display of golf, with unexpected performances and surprises at every turn. The early leaders, including McIlroy, Burns, and Rose, are setting the tone for what promises to be a captivating tournament. As the competition heats up, the question remains: who will emerge as the champion this year? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Masters never fails to deliver excitement and drama.
