Justin Rose surged to the top of the leaderboard at the 2025 Masters Tournament with an impressive seven-under-par 65 in the opening round at Augusta National. His round, featuring nine birdies and just one bogey, gave him a three-shot lead and marked his fifth time holding or sharing the first-round lead, a tournament record.
Rose’s performance was particularly notable given he had been two-over par after seven holes. He initiated a remarkable comeback with an eagle on the par-five eighth, followed by a series of birdies that propelled him to the top. This round marked his fifth time holding or sharing the first-round lead at the Masters, setting a tournament record.
Trailing Rose by three strokes are defending champion Scottie Scheffler, Canada’s Corey Conners, and 2024 runner-up Ludvig Åberg, all tied at four-under. Bryson DeChambeau had been in contention before a late bogey dropped him to a tie for fifth. Veteran Fred Couples impressed with a one-under 71, including an eagle, becoming the second-oldest to break par in a Masters round.
Rory McIlroy’s quest to complete the career Grand Slam encountered difficulties. He was even-par and tied for 27th after the first round, hindered by double bogeys on holes 15 and 17. In the second round, McIlroy shot a 74, resulting in a missed cut at six over for the tournament.
As the tournament progresses into the weekend, Rose aims to maintain his lead amidst a competitive field, while McIlroy will have to wait another year to pursue the elusive Grand Slam.
