Masters Tournament 2025: Scheffler, McIlroy Among Early Leaders

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The 89th Masters Tournament opened Thursday at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club, featuring a competitive field vying for the coveted green jacket. Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, expressed confidence in his game as he navigated the challenging course, ultimately finishing the opening round with a solid 68.

“I feel very prepared for this Masters, and I’m excited to see how the week unfolds,” Scheffler said after his round, highlighting his ability to sink two long putts beyond 40 feet.

Amidst the field, Rory McIlroy also made a strong showing, turning in a 3-under 33 at the halfway point of his round. McIlroy, who has yet to capture a green jacket, made consecutive birdies on holes eight and nine.

Defending champion Scheffler, 27, managed a flawless start, carding two birdies and no bogeys, placing himself in contention right from the beginning. His notable performance included a standout 40-foot putt on the 16th hole.

Other notables included Justin Rose, who surged to the front with an impressive 5-under 31 on the front nine, capitalizing on early birdies. Meanwhile, Tyrrell Hatton also ignited excitement with his fourth birdie of the day at the par-3 12th hole, bringing him to 4 under par, putting him in the lead.

Amateur golfer Noah Kent made headlines with a promising start, registering birdies on his first two holes to reach a tie for the lead at 2 under through five holes.

However, not all competitors basked in glory; Nick Dunlap stumbled through the first round, carding a score of 90, becoming only the 11th player in Masters history to finish with such a score. Despite the rough patch, he kept his spirits up by sinking a long putt for double bogey on the 16th.

Collin Morikawa, a pre-tournament favorite, ended his round even par at 72 after a shaky finish on the back nine, where he experienced three bogeys in the last four holes.

The atmosphere at Augusta was electric, with fans eagerly following the action, as players contended with the challenging conditions and their peers. According to the Masters leaderboard, Aaron Rai currently leads the clubhouse with a score of 2 under 70.

The opening day promises thrilling comebacks and unexpected twists, setting the stage for a dramatic weekend ahead at the Masters Tournament. Weather forecasts suggest perfect playing conditions, ensuring that the drama at Augusta National Golf Club is far from over.