Augusta, Ga. — Justin Rose was late in trouble when Rory McIlroy seeking a grand slam on Thursday using a red hot putter to win a trio of the trio, including Masters Champion Scotty Schaffler, defending Masters Champion Scotty Schaffler.
The two-time Rose, runner-up in the first major of the year, needed 22 putts to go for a 7-under 65, comparable to the British’s best start.
“It was a really good day of golf on a golf course that was a tough test,” Rose said. “If you look at the whole leaderboard, there aren’t many low scores there, there are a lot of high quality shots, and I think I’m pleased with the way I played.”
The world’s No. 1 Schaeffler, who is about to become the fourth golfer to defend his Masters title this week, was tied second with 2024 runner-up Rudig Åberg and Canada’s Corey Connors.
The 44-year-old Rose, who went out with the late starter, wasted no time as he kicked off the round with three consecutive birdies. He added three more in a row around the turns before 15 and 16 consecutive birdies.
The only wound on Rose’s card, which could become the oldest first Masters champion since 41-year-old Mark O’Miara won in 1998, came on the 18th, making a bogey after the tee shot missed the fairway.
Schaeffler’s round included a massive birdie putt from the par 3 fourth 62 feet and a top and bottom par save after a glorious chip from the greenside bunker on both the seventh and 17th holes.
“Whenever you can keep your cards clean here, that’s really good,” Schaeffler said. “…I struggled with what felt like two pars today. I had to make two really good ups and downs. But aside from that, the golf course was in front of me most days, I kept playing the ball and did really good things.”
The Connors made a slow move with birdies on three of the last four holes. Aberg, who is performing in his second master, was caught up in a fight with four back nine birdies.
This week, fan favorite Bryson Decanbaugh, two major winners on a 95 player field and one of 12 LIV golf members, finished off a four-shot for Rose after a bogey.
McIlroy, the world No. 2 who needs a Masters victory to complete a career grand slam, was Rose’s three-back before an overwhelming double bogey in 15th place in the Reachable Par-5.
The Northern Irish cruised along with clean cards until his approach sailed over the greenery. He watched helplessly as his tip rolled from the smooth putting surface into the pond.
McIlroy made a double bogey for the 17 after missing the green and then lost three putts from 28 feet.
The four-time major winner has settled on an even par 72, leaving him with plenty of work this week if he wants to be the sixth player to complete his career grand slams of golf.
Among other celebrities, 2023 Masters champion John Rahm struggled with 75 overs, while Xander Schaufele opened at 73 in search of three wins in four majors.
Former champion and fan favorite Fred Couple started the 40th Masters and made a card with a 1-under 71 highlighted by Eagle in 14th place.