Masters Round 1: What to know about Rory McIlroy, Sam Burns and other early leaders
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The first round of the 90th Masters at Augusta National played firm and fast, resulting in a field scoring average of 74.65, the highest since 2017, challenging the players despite idyllic weather conditions.
- Defending champion Rory McIlroy led the round with a 67, birdieing all four par 5s and gaining significant strokes on approach, marking his best start as a defending champion and showing a freer, more confident game.
- Sam Burns matched McIlroy's 67, delivering his best Masters round to date with strong performance across all strokes gained categories, while 2018 champion Patrick Reed and Jason Day also posted competitive scores near the top.
- World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and five-time Masters contender Justin Rose both finished at 2 under par, maintaining strong positions with solid ball striking and greens in regulation, keeping them in contention early.
- Pre-tournament favorites Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm struggled significantly, shooting 76 and 78 respectively, with Rahm notably failing to make a single birdie, highlighting the course's difficulty and unpredictability in Round 1.
