Rory McIlroy’s pursuit of a Green Jacket took a hit on day one of the Masters, as an initially promising round slipped away amid Augusta National’s unforgiving terrain. After making his way to four under par through 14 holes, McIlroy seemed poised to finally make his long-awaited breakthrough at the only major that has eluded him. But the course had other ideas.
A chip from behind the 15th green found the water, resulting in a damaging double-bogey seven. More trouble came at the 17th, where another approach went long and another double bogey followed. In just three holes, McIlroy gave four shots back to the course. A round that once hinted at contention ended in frustration with a score of 72—one over par. Despite flashes of brilliance, including birdies at the 8th, 9th, and 13th holes, the final tally felt like a harsh reward for so much controlled and confident play.
McIlroy’s driving was at its very best, and for much of the round, he looked calm and in control. His early misses were minimal, and his approach shots sharp. A birdie at the 9th after a majestic approach seemed to confirm he was in sync. But Augusta doesn’t often allow for a smooth ride. McIlroy’s collapse on the closing stretch was as swift as it was brutal, and as always, the Masters offers no room for major missteps. With 54 holes remaining, there’s still time for a recovery, but once again, Augusta has delivered a gut punch to one of golf’s most admired players.
While McIlroy faltered, Justin Rose soared. The 44-year-old Englishman produced a dazzling round of 65 to take a three-shot lead into Friday. His only blemish came on the 18th, where a wayward tee shot led to a bogey, but by then, the damage had been done to the rest of the field. He was three under through the first three holes and remained sharp throughout, showing the kind of poise that experience breeds.
Rose has a rich history at Augusta, having led or co-led the tournament after each round at different times in his career, yet never securing the Green Jacket. His playoff loss to Sergio García in 2017 remains a bitter memory, but his performance on Thursday proves he’s still very much a force to be reckoned with. He acknowledged the narrowing window for major success but expressed continued love for the game and the sacrifices it demands.
Other players also made early statements. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler shot a composed 68, featuring spectacular long birdie putts from 60 and 42 feet. His round was bogey-free and full of quiet authority. Bryson DeChambeau, who’s long struggled at Augusta, showed signs of figuring it out with a 69. Tyrrell Hatton, often frustrated by the course, matched that score with a strong, patient round.
There were struggles too. Amateur Nick Dunlap endured a nightmare round of 90, while Ángel Cabrera’s return to major action ended in a 75. Patrick Reed, never one to mince words, called his 71 “piss poor,” despite matching Fred Couples, who rolled back the years once more.
Day one ended with a leaderboard packed with potential, but McIlroy’s absence near the top stung. For all his brilliance, Augusta continues to keep him at arm’s length. It’s the hope that always seems to hurt the most both for him and for those who still believe.
