The 89th playing of the Masters Tournament is officially underway at Augusta National Golf Club, and the excitement is palpable as the world's best golfers vie for the coveted green jacket. The tournament kicked off on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with the traditional ceremonial tee shot from legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson, a moment that always stirs nostalgia among the patrons.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked golfer in the world, is once again the favorite to win, following his impressive four-shot victory over Ludvig Åberg last year. Scheffler has shown strong form this season, boasting three top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, including a runner-up finish at the Texas Children's Houston Open. He began his title defense with a bang, sinking a remarkable 62-foot birdie putt on the fourth hole, a feat that brought cheers from the crowd.
“This is definitely as prepared as I’ve felt going into any event this year and I’m excited to get the tournament going,” Scheffler said, showcasing his confidence heading into the first round.
Hot on Scheffler's heels is Rory McIlroy, who is looking to secure his first green jacket and complete a career grand slam. McIlroy's journey has been filled with near misses, as he hasn't won a major since 2014, but he arrives at Augusta in red-hot form. He expressed the significance of this tournament, stating, “I want to make that eight or nine-year-old Rory proud of what he’s been able to achieve.”
The Masters field also includes 12 members from LIV Golf, with notable names like 2023 winner Jon Rahm and 2021 champion Hideki Matsuyama. The presence of these players adds an intriguing layer to the competition amid the ongoing tensions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
As the first round unfolds, early leaders have emerged. Aaron Rai and Stephan Jaeger both made strong starts, each carding -4 through their respective holes. Rai, making his Masters debut, has showcased his unique style by wearing two gloves and using iron headcovers, a quirk that has drawn attention on the course.
“I couldn’t play without them,” Rai explained about his gloves, emphasizing his comfort with his unconventional approach.
Meanwhile, Nicolai Hojgaard had a rocky start, bogeying the first hole and following it up with a double-bogey on the second. However, he quickly rebounded with birdies on holes 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8, pulling himself back into contention and demonstrating his resilience.
“It was a crazy round, but I’m just happy to be here,” Hojgaard said after his eagle on the 15th, where he hit a stunning 210-yard shot that landed just five feet from the hole.
As the day progressed, the leaderboard began to take shape. Jhonattan Vegas and Joaquin Niemann both made back-to-back birdies on holes eight and nine, while Brian Harman started strong at two under through four holes. Phil Mickelson, a fan favorite, began his round with a par, and Keegan Bradley managed a +1 after a challenging start that saw him find the bunker on his opening tee shot.
“You have to be patient out here. It’s a long tournament,” Mickelson noted, embodying the mindset required to navigate Augusta's challenging layout.
In terms of viewing options, fans can catch the action live on ESPN from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday and Friday, with CBS taking over for the final two rounds over the weekend. The Masters app and Masters.com also offer simulcast coverage, ensuring that golf enthusiasts can stay updated on every swing.
The atmosphere at Augusta is electric, with patrons enjoying the picturesque scenery and the traditional, affordable food offerings. Prices for staples like egg salad and pimento cheese remain unchanged at $1.50, a rarity in the sports world. This commitment to keeping the Masters accessible adds to the tournament's charm.
As the first round continues, the competition remains fierce. With the likes of Scheffler, McIlroy, and the LIV Golf contingent all in the mix, the quest for the green jacket promises to be thrilling. Stay tuned as we bring you live updates and highlights from Augusta National Golf Club throughout this prestigious tournament.
With the weather expected to remain pleasant for the first day, the stage is set for a memorable Masters. As we look ahead, the question on everyone's mind is: who will emerge victorious this year?
