The Masters: Justin Rose leads as Rory McIlroy has nightmare finish to opening round at Augusta National

10 April 2025, 15:52 | Updated: 11 April 2025, 12:15

Justin Rose grabbed the early lead after the opening round of The Masters, as Rory McIlroy saw his Grand Slam hopes suffer a big setback following a nightmare finish at Augusta National.

Rose charged up the leaderboard with eight birdies in a stunning seven-under 65, with his only dropped shot coming at the final hole, giving the former world No 1 a commanding three-shot advantage over Scottie Scheffler, Ludvig Åberg and Corey Conners.

Scheffler opened his title defence with a bogey-free 68 and Conners birdied three of the last four holes to also get to four under, with last year's runner-up Åberg making it a three-way tie for second after a final-hole birdie.

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