Scottie Scheffler, the reigning Masters champion, kicked off his title defense with a solid 4-under 68, showcasing his readiness to contend for another green jacket. His bogey-free round featured impressive long putts, including a 62-footer on the fourth and a 42-footer on the sixteenth, placing him in a tie for the early lead with Corey Conners. However, Justin Rose later surged ahead with an exceptional 7-under 65, seizing the clubhouse lead.
Scheffler’s performance marks only the fourth bogey-free opening round by a defending Masters champion in the last 30 years, highlighting the difficulty of Augusta National. He capitalized on the favorable morning conditions, although he acknowledged the challenging fast and firm greens even after the recent rainfall.
The world number one golfer displayed a calm and controlled game, aiming to join an elite group of Masters champions. He’s striving to become only the fourth golfer to win back-to-back green jackets, following in the footsteps of Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods. Furthermore, Scheffler extended his streak of opening rounds in the 60s at the Masters to four, a feat only surpassed by Jack Nicklaus’ five consecutive rounds in the 70s.
Even with a couple of challenging pars requiring skillful up-and-downs, Scheffler maintained his composure and finished strong. He highlighted the importance of keeping his card clean, noting that the course presented challenges even for him. His round included some impressive recoveries, such as a birdie on the eighth after hitting into a deep divot. He expressed confidence in his preparation, stating that he feels as ready as he’s been all season, despite a hand injury earlier in the year.
While Scheffler’s performance was remarkable, his 11 out of 18 greens in regulation suggests there’s still room for improvement as the tournament progresses. The remaining 54 holes promise exciting competition as Scheffler aims to make history again.
