Rose Takes Masters Lead as McIlroy Falters Late

Rose Takes Masters Lead as McIlroy Falters Late

Rose Surges to Masters Lead as McIlroy Stumbles Late

England’s Justin Rose seized the spotlight at Augusta National with a sensational opening round at the 2025 Masters, carding a seven-under 65 to take a commanding three-shot lead.

The 44-year-old came close to making history, threatening the course record with a dazzling display of precision and poise. A hot start saw Rose birdie his first three holes, and a run of three more around the turn propelled him into the lead. Birdies at 15 and 16 solidified his position, but two loose drives on the closing holes led to a par-bogey finish, just short of a record-breaking 62. Still, his 65 matched his lowest-ever Masters round and marked his fifth time leading after round one — a tournament record.

Rose leads a group at four-under that includes defending champion and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, last year’s runner-up Ludvig Åberg, and Canadian Corey Conners.

Rory McIlroy’s pursuit of the career Grand Slam took a hit with two late double bogeys. After reaching four-under through 14, the Northern Irishman found water on the par-five 15th and then bogeyed the 17th, finishing with a level-par 72 — seven strokes behind Rose.

England’s Aaron Rai, making his Masters debut, briefly held the lead after a flawless front nine. However, Amen Corner proved punishing, as he dropped three shots before recovering to finish with a two-under 70 and tied for seventh.

Despite a slow start to his season, Scheffler looked calm and composed. A bogey-free round included a 62-foot birdie putt on the 4th and a 42-foot hole-out on the par-three 16th. “Anytime you keep a clean card out here, it’s a good thing,” Scheffler said.

Veterans also made their mark on day one. Fred Couples thrilled patrons with an eagle from 191 yards on 14, helping him to a 71, while Bernhard Langer, playing his 41st and final Masters, sported a retro red outfit and carded a two-over 74.

Rose, who has twice finished runner-up at Augusta, is seeking to become the oldest first-time Masters winner since Mark O'Meara in 1998. With experience and form on his side, he’s once again in the hunt for a maiden Green Jacket.