Masters Weekend Heats Up as Justin Rose Holds Narrow Lead

Masters Weekend Heats Up as Justin Rose Holds Narrow Lead

April 11, 2025, 08:17 PM ET

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Masters is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle as Justin Rose clings to a slender lead heading into the weekend. The Englishman, who has been a familiar face atop the leaderboard at Augusta, finds himself in a crowded field of world-class competitors eager to seize the coveted green jacket.

Justin Rose, a seasoned golfer with a major win under his belt, managed to maintain his lead on Friday, but not without a fight. His 1-under 71 round was enough to keep him at the top, but the competition is fierce. Rose’s performance included birdies on the par 5s on the front nine and the par 3s on the back nine, showcasing his strategic play.

However, the leaderboard is packed with talent. Bryson DeChambeau, known for his analytical approach to the game, is hot on Rose’s heels. DeChambeau is the only player with consecutive sub-70 rounds, finishing just one shot behind Rose. His impressive play has earned him a spot in the final group, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.

Rory McIlroy, another formidable contender, is also in the mix. After a rocky finish in the first round, McIlroy bounced back with a bogey-free 66, putting him in contention for the career Grand Slam. His determination and skill have reignited his hopes at Augusta.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler had a mixed day, starting strong with 24 bogey-free holes before encountering some challenges. Despite five bogeys over the last 12 holes, Scheffler remains just three shots behind, keeping his title defense alive.

Rose acknowledged the competitive field, stating, “The leaderboard is stacking up very favorably for what looks like world-class players right up there. So you’re going to have to play great golf, and you’re going to have to go out there and want it and go for it and get after it. It’s as simple as that, really.”

Rose’s early start on Friday gave him an advantage before the winds picked up, creating challenging conditions for the later players. He capitalized on this by hitting a 9-iron over Rae’s Creek to 4 feet for birdie on the par-3 12th and another birdie on the par-3 16th, helping him recover from earlier mistakes.

DeChambeau’s round was highlighted by an unlikely birdie, holing a bunker shot on the par-3 fourth hole. His 68 marked his best start ever at the Masters, and he expressed his excitement, saying, “This is what golf is about. Got a lot of great names up there, and looking forward to an unbelievable test of golf.”

McIlroy, who had two double bogeys in the first round, managed to put those behind him. He started the back nine with birdie-birdie-par-eagle, showcasing his resilience and skill. “I had to remind myself I was playing well,” McIlroy said. “I couldn’t let two bad holes dictate the narrative of the 16 good ones. I also had to remind myself this morning not to push too hard too early.”

Joining McIlroy at 6-under 138 is Corey Conners of Canada, who quietly put together a solid round of 70. The group three shots back includes Scheffler, former British Open champion Shane Lowry, and Tyrrell Hatton, who had a strong start but was set back by a pair of three-putts.

• Justin Rose: 8-under 136
• Bryson DeChambeau: 7-under
• Rory McIlroy and Corey Conners: 6-under 138
• Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry, and Tyrrell Hatton: 3 shots back

The weekend promises to be wide open, with 16 players separated by just five shots. Rose, at 44, is aiming to become the second-oldest player to win the Masters, following Jack Nicklaus’s legendary 1986 victory at age 46.

Unfortunately, the cut at 2-over 146 marked the end of Bernhard Langer’s Masters career. The 67-year-old needed a par on the last hole but missed a crucial putt. Brooks Koepka also had a shocking exit, making a quadruple bogey on the 18th after a series of unfortunate shots.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the top contenders. Rose, DeChambeau, McIlroy, and Scheffler are all vying for the title, each with their own story and motivation. The stage is set for an unforgettable weekend at Augusta National.