Key Points Summary: 2025 Masters Leaderboard: Scheffler coming in
- The 89th Masters begins with ceremonial tee shots from Nicklaus, Player, and Watson
- Justin Rose surges late to shoot 7-under, leads the field
- Scottie Scheffler finishes bogey-free round at 4-under, tied for second
- Scheffler entered as betting favorite and world No. 1
- Corey Conners joins Scheffler at 4-under
- Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau trail at 3-under
- Rory McIlroy drops from contention after two late double bogeys
The 2025 Masters is officially underway, and Day One at Augusta National delivered the drama golf fans live for. With clear skies, electric crowds, and iconic legends kicking things off, the stage was set for greatness. And by the end of Thursday’s first round, it was Justin Rose who stood tall with a shocking 7-under performance, grabbing the outright lead.
But right on his heels? None other than Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion and betting favorite, who shot a smooth bogey-free 68, just three shots off the lead and looking as locked in as ever.
The battle for the green jacket is just beginning—and already, fireworks are lighting up Augusta.
Jack, Gary, and Tom Start the Show
As tradition demands, the Masters began with ceremonial tee shots from legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson, marking the 89th edition of golf’s most prestigious tournament.
Their swings might be slower, but their presence remains larger than life. As they launched the first balls of the tournament into the Georgia morning sky, fans erupted into applause. The moment gave way to a thrilling opening round.
Justin Rose Stuns With 7-Under Round
Out of nowhere, Justin Rose delivered one of his finest performances ever at Augusta. His 7-under 65 matched his best round at the Masters and marked the fifth time in his career that he’s led after the opening round.
With birdies pouring in down the stretch, Rose separated himself from a crowded field. It was vintage Justin—cool under pressure and clinical with the putter.
“It felt great out there,” Rose said. “You just ride the momentum when the putts start dropping.”
And drop they did. Rose now heads into Round 2 with the spotlight—and the pressure—squarely on his shoulders.
Scheffler Is Lurking and Looking Dangerous
You’d be forgiven for thinking Scottie Scheffler was out for a Sunday stroll.
The world No. 1 looked completely at ease, carding a bogey-free 68 that left him tied for second at 4-under, just three shots off the lead.
Scheffler, who already has three top-10 finishes this season, including a runner-up at the Houston Open, came into the Masters as the betting favorite. And after one round, it’s easy to see why.
“I felt in control,” Scheffler said. “I just tried to hit smart shots and take advantage of the par-5s.”
Mission accomplished. He’s now in perfect position to chase down Rose in what’s shaping up to be a weekend duel for the ages.
Corey Conners Keeps Pace
Joining Scheffler at 4-under is Corey Conners, who quietly put together a rock-solid opening round. The Canadian has always been a solid performer on the big stage, and Augusta seems to bring out his best.
He birdied the 8th, 13th, and 15th holes and avoided major trouble throughout the day. He might not make headlines like the others, but don’t count him out.
DeChambeau and Hatton Trail at 3-Under
Bryson DeChambeau, the power-hitting scientist of golf, ended the day at 3-under, tied with Tyrrell Hatton.
Both players are within striking distance and have the ability to go low if they catch fire. DeChambeau’s aggressive approach may pay dividends on Augusta’s long, risk-reward holes—while Hatton’s short game looked razor-sharp all day.
McIlroy Fades Late
Rory McIlroy had the crowd buzzing early, threatening to insert himself into the leaderboard discussion. But after double bogeys on two of his last four holes, McIlroy finished the day at even par, dashing hopes of a dream start.
Still, Rory remains a threat. His iron play looked excellent for most of the day. One hot round on Friday, and he’ll be right back in the hunt.
Notables From Round One
- Tiger Woods shot a respectable 1-over 73, showing flashes of brilliance and resilience
- Jordan Spieth struggled with a 2-over 74, plagued by a cold putter
- Patrick Cantlay played steady golf, finishing at 1-under
- Phil Mickelson faded after a solid front nine, ending at 3-over
- Rickie Fowler, back in Masters form, carded an even-par 72
Augusta Was Playing Fair—but Fast – 2025 Masters Leaderboard
Thursday’s course conditions were ideal. Clear skies, mild winds, and fast greens made for exciting golf—and left little room for error.
Pin placements were challenging, and players had to stay sharp around the greens. Several big names paid the price for short-siding themselves or misjudging Augusta’s famously tricky slopes.
But for players like Rose and Scheffler, it was the kind of setup they thrive on.
What to Watch in Round Two
As the Masters rolls into Friday, all eyes will be on:
- Justin Rose, to see if he can keep his lead or stumble under pressure
- Scottie Scheffler, who might launch into the lead with another clean round
- Rory McIlroy, who needs to bounce back fast
- The Cut Line, which could hover around +1 or +2 depending on Friday’s conditions
- Tiger Woods, as fans wonder if he can contend or just survive
Betting Odds Update after current 2025 Masters Leaderboard
After Round 1, the betting landscape shifted slightly:
- Scottie Scheffler remains the favorite at +250
- Justin Rose rises to +400 after his sizzling start
- Corey Conners sits at +700
- DeChambeau, Hatton, and McIlroy all hover between +900 and +1200
There’s still time—and plenty of movement expected—as the weekend approaches.
Rose Leads, But Scheffler’s Coming – 2025 Masters Leaderboard
The 2025 Masters could be a classic. With Justin Rose leading after a magical 7-under round and Scottie Scheffler lurking close behind, the green jacket is still very much up for grabs.
The leaderboard is stacked, the storylines are electric, and the pressure is building fast. As Augusta National begins to bare its teeth, only the mentally toughest will survive the weekend storm.
Can Rose hold on? Can Scheffler make history? Will McIlroy find redemption?
Day Two is coming—and anything can happen.
