The 89th Masters Tournament kicked off on April 10, 2025, at the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, where the world's top golfers gathered to compete in the first major of the season. Among them, Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 champion and the first Asian golfer to win the Masters, aimed for his second victory in four years. However, the opening round proved challenging for the 33-year-old, as he finished with a score of 73, one over par, placing him in 38th position.
Matsuyama's round began with a steady performance, recording six consecutive pars before making his first birdie on the 7th hole. His tee shot on the par-4 hole struck a tree but fortuitously landed on the fairway. From 188 yards, his second shot reached the green, allowing him to sink a 3-meter putt for a birdie, bringing his score to one under par.
He followed this success with another birdie on the 8th hole, where he overcame a challenging bunker shot to make a long putt, pushing his score to 2 under par and momentarily placing him in a strong position at provisional 6th place.
However, the back nine presented a different story for Matsuyama. On the 12th hole, he encountered his first bogey after missing a short putt, and things took a turn for the worse on the 13th. His third shot from 80 yards hit the pin but rolled into the creek, resulting in a double bogey and a drop back to 1 over par. He finished the round with five consecutive pars, unable to regain the momentum he had built earlier.
As Matsuyama reflected on his performance, he expressed disappointment over the unfortunate turn of events on the 13th hole, stating, "It was a good shot, and I was hoping for a better outcome. It’s tough to switch gears after a shot like that, but I still have three more days to make up for it." His struggles on the infamous Amen Corner, which includes the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes, have left him with much to ponder as he heads into the remaining rounds.
Leading the tournament after the first round is Justin Rose of England, who delivered an impressive performance with a score of 65, seven under par. Rose, the 2013 U.S. Open champion, showcased his skills with six birdies, putting him in a commanding position as he looks to secure his first Masters title.
In second place is Scottie Scheffler, the reigning champion, who finished with a score of 69, four under par. Scheffler, aiming for consecutive victories at the Masters, demonstrated his prowess on the course, while Rory McIlroy, who is pursuing his sixth career Grand Slam, ended the day in 27th place with a score of 72.
Collin Morikawa, who finished third in last year’s tournament, is also tied with McIlroy at even par. Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele, who is looking to continue his momentum after winning last year's Open Championship, shares Matsuyama's fate, finishing the day at 1 over par.
As the tournament progresses, Matsuyama will need to find his rhythm and capitalize on scoring opportunities to climb the leaderboard. The Masters is known for its unpredictable nature, and with three rounds remaining, anything can happen. Golf fans around the world are eager to see how the rest of the tournament unfolds, particularly for Matsuyama, who has consistently shown the ability to rise to the occasion on golf's biggest stages.
The Masters Tournament is not only a test of skill but also a showcase of resilience and mental fortitude. As the players navigate the challenging course, they must contend with the pressure of the moment and the weight of expectations. For Matsuyama, the journey is far from over, and he remains hopeful for a strong comeback in the coming rounds.
With the excitement building, the tournament continues to draw attention from fans and analysts alike, all eager to witness the drama and triumphs that define the Masters. As the leaderboard shifts and players make their moves, one thing is certain: the quest for the green jacket is just beginning.
