There’s never a dull round when Rory McIlroy tees it up at the Masters, and Thursday’s action at Augusta National proved exactly that. Hopes were high, spirits were lifted, and for a moment, it looked like the stars were finally aligning for the Northern Irishman to complete his career Grand Slam. But in true Augusta fashion, the course bit back.
McIlroy, who turns 35 this year, started his round confidently—looking composed, controlled, and ready to stake his claim. At four-under-par, he was just a few shots behind early leader Justin Rose. But it all came undone in a matter of holes, as two double bogeys late in the round sent him tumbling down the leaderboard.
Augusta Delivers a Brutal Blow
It was at the 15th hole—one of Augusta’s most feared—that McIlroy’s round started to unravel. A misjudged chip from behind the green found water, leading to a double-bogey seven. Ouch.
Then came another blow at the 17th, where he flew the green again and walked off with another double bogey. Within just three holes, four shots were lost, and what had looked like a potential round in the 60s ended in a disappointing even-par 72.
Aussie fans watching from back home would’ve felt the gut punch too—it’s hard not to root for McIlroy, who’s been chasing a Masters win for a decade. But Augusta, as always, shows no mercy.
Solid Start Overshadowed by Late Mistakes
Before the late-round collapse, McIlroy looked every bit the major contender. His driving was pure, his iron play sharp, and he had the feel with the putter. Birdies came at the 8th, 9th, and 13th, and he missed makeable chances on other holes that could’ve seen him surge even higher.
But it’s those high numbers—sevens and sixes—that Augusta punishes hardest. McIlroy shook his head as he walked off the 15th and 17th greens, fully aware of what those numbers might cost him over the weekend.
Rose Rises Among the Azaleas
While McIlroy stumbled, Justin Rose turned back the clock with a brilliant round of 65, reminding everyone that experience at Augusta is worth its weight in gold. The 44-year-old Englishman was calm and clinical, making birdies look routine as he climbed to the top of the leaderboard.
Rose has worn the leader’s hat at various stages of previous Masters—after 18, 36, 54, and even 72 holes—but has never managed to walk away with the Green Jacket. His playoff defeat to Sergio García in 2017 still stings. But if day one is any indication, Rose is ready to go the distance once more.
“Golf’s not going to get easier for me over the next five or ten years,” Rose admitted. “So when you get a chance like this, you’ve got to grab it.”
Scheffler, Åberg, and the Rising Contenders
World No. 1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler made it look easy, carding a bogey-free 68. He rolled in long-range birdie putts from 60 feet on the 4th and 42 feet on the 16th. It was the kind of quiet domination Augusta regulars have come to expect from the American.
McIlroy’s playing partner, the unflappable Ludvig Åberg, also impressed with a tidy 68—and in some ways, made McIlroy’s late mistakes even more glaring by comparison. The 24-year-old Swede is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young players in the world.
Other names who made strong starts include Corey Conners (four-under), Bryson DeChambeau (69), and Tyrrell Hatton, whose 69 suggests a new attitude at a course he once infamously called “unfair.”
Hatton joked after his round: “I don’t know if I’ve worked on my patience. It just depends what side of the bed I get out of. But today was a good day!”
From Shockers to Standouts
On the other end of the spectrum, Nick Dunlap had a day to forget, carding a painful 90, including a back-nine 47. Meanwhile, veteran Fred Couples impressed yet again, showing his class with a solid 71, and Patrick Reed, despite also shooting 71, labelled his round “piss poor”.
Adding to the day’s drama, Ángel Cabrera—making his return to major golf post-prison—shot a 75, while Spanish amateur José Luis Ballester caused a minor “watergate” of his own at Augusta.
The Road Ahead: Still a Long Way to Go
With 54 holes still to play, McIlroy isn’t out of it yet. But with the Masters, it’s not just about staying in contention—it’s about avoiding the kind of mistakes that Augusta turns into disasters. For McIlroy, the path to victory just got a lot steeper.
Aussie golf fans will no doubt be watching closely over the weekend, hoping Rory can find the magic again. After all, we know how quickly fortunes can turn at Augusta.
Final Thoughts: Hope Springs Eternal
The Masters is nothing if not unpredictable. One moment you're flying high, the next you're in Rae's Creek wondering what went wrong. Rory McIlroy has the talent and the tools to win this thing—but once again, Augusta has proven it will make you earn every shot.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
