History is made! Matsuyama clings on for Masters glory on dramatic final day at Augusta
Masters round-up: Thursday
With all the build-up talk about Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau, the first day of the 2021 Masters was all about one man.
The last time we saw Justin Rose in competitive action was at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He had just carded a nine and withdrawn from the tournament. What a different a month makes.
The Englishman will take a four-shot lead into the second round after a ludicrous 7-under 65. Why ludicrous? He was 2-over through seven. An eagle at the par-5 eighth kick-started a run of seven birdies in his final 10 holes.
Brian Harman and Hideki Matsuyama – remember him? – trail at 3-under, while a quartet headed by 2018 champion Patrick Reed are a shot further back on a day when only 12 players broke par.
It’s Rose’s to lose now. Who’s to argue that 7-under won’t end up being the winning score?
- RELATED: What’s in Justin Rose’s bag?
As for the pre-tournament favourites, only Spieth, at -1, is under par. Rahm is one further back, while Thomas is at +1 and defending champion DJ at +2.
McIlroy and DeChambeau have it all to do after the both carded equally erratic 76s. Remember when DeChambeau called Augusta a par-67?
Team GB&I watch
How did our boys get on in round one?
Justin Rose (-7): It’s his to lose.
Tyrrell Hatton (-1): Three consecutive birdies from the 13th put him right back in it, and we all know how good he can be when he gets hot.
Shane Lowry (-1): Solid opening round for the reigning Open champion.
Paul Casey (+1): Game of two halves after making the turn 3-under-par before five bogeys in seven holes on the back nine.
Matthew Fitzpatrick (+2): Another case of a positive front nine that is derailed by a slow back nine – something we will see a lot of this week.
Tommy Fleetwood (+2): Aced the 16th – more on that later – to put a smile on his face.
Matt Wallace (+2): Lots to do if he wants to be in the final group on Sunday for the second week in a row.
Ian Poulter (+2): One of the first players out on the course, opening with a birdie before making five bogeys in seven holes and closing with a solid 1-under-par back nine.
Robert MacIntyre (+2): Only six pars on the card which tells you everything you need to know about a whirlwind first round for the debutant.
Martin Laird (+2): The Scot battled to turn in level par after opening with back-to-back bogeys, but couldn’t prevent slipping to two-over-par with a closing bogey.
Rory McIlroy (+4): Another year where a slow start hinders his chances before they really begin.
Danny Willett (+4): Six bogeys cancelled out two birdies for the 2016 champion.
Ian Woosnam (+4): Much better back nine for the 1991 Masters champion as he rescues a respectable round in the conditions.
Lee Westwood (+6): Less said the better, as Westwood fails to pay back any faith in him finally breaking his major duck.
Sandy Lyle (+9): Probably packing the bags already.
Joe Long (+10): A closing birdie will have taken the edge off of a brutal first day for the Amateur champion.
- RELATED: Masters tee times
- RELATED: Masters TV schedule
Respect your Elder
How lovely to see Lee Elder alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player for the traditional ceremonial tee shots. If you’re not up to speed, here’s chairman Fred Riley to explain…
The clip, though, caused controversy on social media as viewers pointed out that Player’s son, Wayne, was using the moment to flash his dad’s golf balls on camera.
Watch carefully, it’s quite subtle. (Where’s the sarcasm font?)
And in case you missed it…
Turns out Player Jr is a shareholder of OnCore Golf, and the manufacturer was forced to release a statement saying they did not ask for the guerrilla marketing campaign.
Spoiler alert: No one’s blaming you.
Best shot of the day
Tommy Fleetwood had a hole-in-one in his last start at the WGC-Match Play two weeks ago. Then he did this…
Bravo sir!
Worst shot of the day
On a golf course full of players, caddies, and a few thousand fans, what are the odds that your wayward shot would hit your own dad?
McIlroy Sr was unharmed – even joking he might get a signed glove – but it was just typical of Rory’s day.
Stat(s) of the day
Over the don of golf stats, Mr Justin Ray…
Justin Rose has equalled Jack Nicklaus for the most first-round leads or co-leads in Masters history with four.
It is also the sixth time Rose has led or co-led after any Masters round – the most all-time by a player to have never won.
Fashion police
Many of the players seemed to be having their own little worst-dressed competition, with one particular three-ball looking particularly suspect in the fashion department.
Unfortunately, featured group coverage meant that we were unable to avoid the questionable apparel selections of Brooks Koepka, Bubba Watson and Viktor Hovland – all of whom had to be included as nominations for this award today.
So, drum roll please… the unfortunate winner is – Brooks Koepka.
I mean, the hat. why?
Anyway, that’s enough from me today. Check back tomorrow for another round up of the day’s action at Augusta National.
Subscribe to NCG
Alex Perry
Alex has been the editor of National Club Golfer since 2017. A Devonian who enjoys wittering on about his south west roots, Alex moved north to join NCG after more than a decade in London, the last five of which were with ESPN. Away from golf, Alex follows Torquay United and spends too much time playing his PlayStation or his guitar and not enough time practising his short game.
