Golf fans were treated to an electric opening round at The Masters 2025. And leading the charge? Justin Rose, the seasoned Englishman, who delivered one of the finest rounds of his Augusta career.
With a sizzling 7-under-par 65, Rose now sits atop the Masters leaderboard, ahead of some of golf’s biggest names. It’s a strong statement from a player who’s still chasing his first Masters win—and perhaps, his second major title overall.
Rose didn’t waste any time showing why he's still a serious contender. His performance was nearly flawless. Seven birdies. Just one bogey. And pure precision from tee to green.
This isn’t the first time Rose has had a strong start at Augusta. In fact, this marks the fifth time he’s led after Round One of The Masters—breaking Jack Nicklaus’ long-standing record.
The leaderboard now reads like a who's who of golf, but Justin Rose is right where he wants to be: at the top.
Hot on his heels is world number one, Scottie Scheffler. With a solid 4-under-par 68, Scheffler is just three strokes back.
Joining him in second place are Corey Conners and rising star Ludvig Åberg. All three are tied at -4, setting the stage for a competitive Round Two.
Further down the Masters standings, Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau are sitting at -3, both within striking distance.
Golf fans around the world are tracking every shot. Platforms like ESPN Masters, CBS Sports, and Masters.com are providing live coverage and real-time leaderboard updates.
As of now, here are the top names on the leaderboard:
1st – Justin Rose (-7)
T-2nd – Scottie Scheffler, Corey Conners, Ludvig Åberg (-4)
T-5th – Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton (-3)
Meanwhile, defending champion Jon Rahm had a tough start, shooting a 3-over 75. And Rory McIlroy, still seeking his career Grand Slam, wrapped up at even par.
It’s a common question. And surprisingly, the answer is no.
Despite his consistency at Augusta, Justin Rose has never won The Masters. His closest brushes with the Green Jacket came in 2015, when he finished second to Jordan Spieth, and again in 2017, when he lost in a playoff to Sergio García.
However, Rose does have a major title under his belt. He won the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion. But a Masters win? That would be a career-defining moment.
And based on his Thursday performance, this could finally be his year.
Let’s not overlook Scottie Scheffler. The former champion is still very much in the mix. Known for his calm demeanor and laser focus, Scheffler’s game looked sharp in Round One.
His 68 may not have been flashy, but it was solid—full of confident approach shots and clutch putts. If anyone can catch a red-hot Rose, it’s him.
Fans are already watching Friday's pairings closely, anticipating a showdown between experience and momentum.
This year marks Justin Rose’s 20th Masters appearance. Over the years, he's quietly built a strong track record here. He’s made the cut 16 times and finished in the Top 25 eleven times.
But he's always been the bridesmaid, never the bride at Augusta.
That could all change in 2025. His swing is crisp. His confidence is high. And most importantly, he’s putting lights out—a crucial factor at Augusta National.
If you’re not already watching, now’s the time to tune in. You can catch the action live via:
ESPN – full coverage, including analysis and live leaderboard
CBS Sports – weekend broadcast and featured group streams
Masters.com – real-time leaderboard, player stats, and hole-by-hole breakdowns
Whether you’re tracking Masters scores or checking the master leaderboard from your phone, this year’s tournament is shaping up to be unforgettable.
Golf is unpredictable. And The Masters is even more so.
But Justin Rose has started strong—stronger than anyone. His game is dialed in. He’s showing flashes of vintage Rose. And perhaps more importantly, he looks comfortable out there.
If he keeps this up through the weekend, we might witness one of the most satisfying wins in Masters history.
Until then, all eyes remain on the Masters leaderboard, where Justin Rose leads, and the chase has just begun.
Disclaimer: Leaderboard positions and scores are accurate as of April 11, 2025. For real-time updates, visit Masters.com, ESPN.com, or CBS Sports.
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