Good, Bad and Ugly Masters Round 1: A Disastrous Day for LIV Golf
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Rory McIlroy opened his Masters title defense with a five-under 67, sharing the lead with Sam Burns, who also shot a 67 including an eagle on the 2nd hole.
- Tommy Fleetwood struggled on the back nine after a strong start, finishing with a 1-under 71, while Bryson DeChambeau had a difficult round marked by a triple bogey on the 11th hole, ending with a 4-over 76.
- Patrick Reed made history by becoming the second player in Masters history to record two eagles in the first nine holes but faltered with a bogey on the 15th, finishing with a 3-under 69.
- LIV Golf players had a tough opening day, with none breaking par and notable struggles from Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, who shot his worst Masters round ever with a 78.
- Highlights included Kurt Kitayama’s eight birdies in a 69 and the ceremonial opening tee shots by legendary champions Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson.
