Justin Rose needs just 22 putts, leads Masters by three shots
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Justin Rose used a red-hot putter to grab a three-shot lead over a trio of players that included defending Masters champion Scottie Scheffler on Thursday at Augusta National, where Grand Slam-seeking Rory McIlroy ran into trouble late.
Rose, twice a runner-up at the year’s first major, needed just 22 putts en route to a 7-under 65 that equaled the Englishman’s best start to a Masters.
“It was a really good day’s golf on a golf course that was a stern test,” Rose said. “I think if you look at the overall leaderboard, not many low scores out there. A lot of quality shots, and delighted the way I played.”
World No. 1 Scheffler, who this week is looking to become the fourth golfer to defend his Masters title, was tied for second with 2024 runner-up Ludvig Åberg and Canada‘s Corey Conners.
The 44-year-old Rose, who went out with the late starters, wasted no time making a move as he kicked off his round with three consecutive birdies. He added another three in a row around the turn before back-to-back birdies at 15 and 16.
The only blemish on the card for Rose, who could become the oldest first-time Masters champion since 41-year-old Mark O’Meara won in 1998, came at the 18th, where he made bogey after his tee shot missed the fairway.
Scheffler’s round included a huge birdie putt from 62 feet at the par-3 fourth and a pair of up-and-down par saves after brilliant chips out of greenside bunkers at both the seventh and 17th holes.
“Anytime you can keep a card clean out here it’s a really good thing,” Scheffler said. “… I struggled for what felt like two pars today. I had to make two really good up-and-downs. But, other than that, the golf course was in front of me most of the day, kept the ball in play, did a lot of really good things out there.”
Conners made a late move with birdies on three of his final four holes. Aberg, playing in his second Masters, vaulted into contention with four back-nine birdies.
Fan favorite Bryson DeChambeau, a two-time major winner and one of 12 LIV Golf members in the 95-player field this week, finished four shots back of Rose after a late bogey.
World No. 2 McIlroy, needing a Masters win to complete the career Grand Slam, was three back of Rose before a crushing double-bogey at the reachable par-5 15th.
The Northern Irishman was cruising along with a clean card until his approach shot sailed over the green. He then watched helplessly as his chip rolled off the slick putting surface and into the pond.
McIlroy then double-bogeyed 17 after missing the green and three-putting from 28 feet.
The four-time major winner settled for an even-par 72 that leaves him with plenty of work to do this week if he wants to become the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam of golf’s four majors.
Among other notables, 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm struggled to a 3-over 75, while Xander Schauffele, seeking a third win in four majors, opened with a 73.
Former champion and fan favorite Fred Couples, making his 40th Masters start, carded a 1-under 71 that was highlighted by an eagle at the par-four 14th.
Source: espn.com