The 2025 Masters: A Thrilling Start and What to Watch for on Friday
The 2025 Masters has kicked off with a bang, and after an exciting first 18 holes, the leaderboard is packed with talent. Among the top contenders are three former winners, including Scottie Scheffler, who is on the hunt for his third green jacket in just four years. As we look forward to Friday’s action, there are several key storylines to keep an eye on.
Can Justin Rose Maintain His Lead?
Justin Rose, the seasoned English golfer, finds himself in a familiar position at the Masters, holding the first-round lead for the fifth time in his career. This is a record in tournament history, yet Rose has never managed to convert this early success into a green jacket. “I feel like I’ve played well enough to win this tournament,” Rose said. “I just feel like I don’t have the jacket to prove it.”
At 44, Rose is determined to change his fortunes over the next 54 holes. His past experiences at Augusta have been a mix of brilliance and heartbreak:
- In 2004, Rose led after the first two rounds but faltered with a 9-over 81 on Saturday, finishing tied for 22nd.
- In 2007, he was tied for the lead after the first round but ended up tied for fifth after a double-bogey on the 17th hole in the final round.
- In 2008, Rose shared the first-round lead but fell out of contention with a 6-over 78 in the second round.
- In 2021, Rose led after the first round but finished solo seventh, five shots behind the winner.
With two runner-up finishes at the Masters, Rose knows what it takes to win. However, he will face stiff competition from the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Ludvig Åberg, and Bryson DeChambeau, who are all hot on his heels.
Does Rory McIlroy Still Have a Chance?
Rory McIlroy seemed poised for a strong start at Augusta, sitting at 4-under through 14 holes. However, a disastrous finish saw him drop to even par, four shots behind Scheffler and eight behind Rose. McIlroy’s struggles at Augusta are well-documented, with slow starts often hindering his chances. In his past seven first rounds at the Masters, he has broken par only once.
To have a shot at the green jacket, McIlroy will need to make up ground quickly on Friday. Despite the setback, there are positives to take from his round, such as his strong driving. But as McIlroy knows, Augusta can be unforgiving, and one mistake can be costly.
Which LIV Players Made a Strong Start?
While Jon Rahm struggled with a 3-over round, other LIV Golf members had a strong showing. Five players, including Cameron Smith and Patrick Reed, are in the top 11. Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton both shot 3-under rounds of 69, tied for fifth place.
Hatton, who hit 11 of 14 fairways, expressed satisfaction with his performance, while DeChambeau, despite a strong round, headed to the range to fine-tune his swing. Reed, on the other hand, was let down by his putter, losing strokes to the field.
Who Needs to Step Up on Friday?
The top 50 scores and ties will make the cut, and several big names need to improve their game to stick around for the weekend. Players like Will Zalatoris, Keegan Bradley, and Max Homa are at 2 over, while Phil Mickelson and Jon Rahm are at 3 over.
Lucas Glover, who shot a 6-over 78, was candid about his performance, describing it as “awful” and acknowledging the need for a turnaround on Friday.
Weather Watch for Friday
Augusta National’s greens and fairways were firm and fast in the first round, but the weather could play a role on Friday. Showers and thunderstorms are expected overnight, with a cold front moving through. The forecast for the weekend is promising, with sunny skies and mild temperatures.
As the tournament progresses, the conditions could become more challenging, adding another layer of intrigue to an already exciting Masters.
Originally Written by: Mark Schlabach,Paolo Uggetti
