McIlroy’s Roller Coaster Round

In the 2025 Masters’ second round, Rory McIlroy faced a dramatic shift in fortune on the iconic course. Starting strong, he reached 4 under before enduring a troubling sequence of holes that dashed his hopes for the green jacket once again.

McIlroy opened with an even-par 72, placing him seven strokes off the lead held by Justin Rose, but the struggles he exhibited late in his round were all too familiar. After a promising start, including a skilled navigation through Amen Corner, McIlroy found himself unraveling on the 15th hole. He made a costly triple bogey, chipping into the water and failing to recover, ultimately finishing the round at even par.

Despite this setback, McIlroy remained within reach of contention, sitting at 2 under heading into the final rounds. However, the mounting pressure of the Masters, coupled with his past experiences on the course, left some questioning whether this was the resilient McIlroy ready to chase down the leaders.

Rose’s Stellar Start

Justin Rose demonstrated exceptional form during the first round, carding an impressive 65 to take the early lead. This marked his fifth first-round lead in the Masters, establishing a record that highlights his enduring competitiveness at Augusta National.

Rose’s proficiency on the greens was particularly noteworthy as he accumulated over five strokes on the field, showcasing his ability to navigate the challenge of Augusta National. At 44 years old, Rose reflects on his career with a mix of urgency and appreciation, recognizing the value of each opportunity to contend at major championships.

“I see it all as upside now,” Rose remarked. “There’s tons of opportunities to achieve things I haven’t done before.”

Scheffler’s Strong Performance

Scottie Scheffler began his title defense with a solid opening round, posting a 68. He displayed a strategic blend of aggression and caution at key moments, setting him up for a potential repeat victory. Scheffler aims to join an elite group of golfers who have won consecutive titles at Augusta National.

“There’s a lot of opportunity over the weekend,” Scheffler noted, emphasizing the potential for various outcomes as players navigate the course’s challenges.

Young Talent Shines

Ludvig Åberg, who finished as runner-up during his Masters debut last year, showcased his skill with a solid performance in the opening round. After a slow start, Åberg rallied impressively, maneuvering the course with precision to secure valuable birdies on the 12th and 13th holes. His resilience serves as a reminder that he is a competitor to watch in the coming days.

“Augusta is a place where experience plays a big role… but I’m looking forward to gaining more experience,” Åberg commented on his second appearance at the tournament.

Challenging Conditions for Other Contenders

The grouping of Tyrrell Hatton, Jordan Spieth, and Tom Kim faced their own challenges on the course. Hatton, who started the tournament with a 69, expressed mixed feelings about his performance but recognized the unpredictable nature of Augusta National.

“It’s kind of this place… you don’t really have to do anything wrong to drop shots,” Hatton stated.

Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau’s opening round of 69 kept him firmly in contention, signaling that he, too, could be a formidable opponent as the tournament unfolds.