Iconic anniversaries, McIlroy’s ‘Golden’ advice, and everything else that happened on Thursday
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The first day of the Masters is always eventful, and this year has been no exception. Join me for a look into what happened on Thursday at Augusta.
Yesterday’s Par 3 Contest saw three holes-in-one before Columbia’s Nicolas Echavarria beat JJ Spaun in a playoff to claim victory, Cam Smith turned heads in a blazer, and Jason Day wore shoes so reflective we needed sunglasses just watching the TV. The fun has been had, the preparation has been done, now it’s time to get down to business as the race for the Green Jacket gets underway. Let’s take a look at what happened on the opening day of the 2025 Masters Tournament.
Legends cast doubt on LIV agreement
Golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson addressed the ongoing divide between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Watson noted the lack of progress since initial discussions began in June 2023, Player emphasized the importance of forgiveness and unity, and Nicklaus reflected on the positive changes driven by LIV Golf, such as elevated events and opportunities for younger players, but also voiced his desire to see the tours come together.
Rai’s flying start
England’s Aaron Rai made an impressive start to his Masters debut, surging to an early lead at 4-under-par through just eight holes in the opening round. He went on to hit all 14 fairways today, only the third player since 2000 to hit every one in a debut round.
The 2025 Masters marks Aaron Rai’s debut at Augusta National, earned through his breakthrough victory at the Wyndham Championship last summer. That win not only secured him a coveted spot in the Masters field but also guaranteed his full status on the PGA Tour.
Rai has admitted it’s still surreal how dramatically his life has changed since that milestone win. One moment, he was battling to keep his place on tour, the next, he found himself scheduling practice rounds at Augusta in preparation for his first Masters appearance.
The greatest shot in Masters history turns 20
In the final round of the 2005 Masters, Tiger Woods faced a challenging chip on the 16th hole. His caddie, Steve Williams, recalled aiming to “escape with a three,” given the difficulty of the shot. CBS commentator Verne Lundquist noted how challenging the shot was and suggested Woods might struggle to position it close to Chris DiMarco’s ball.
Woods executed a remarkable chip that defied expectations, leading to one of the most iconic moments in golf history, and went on to win the Green Jacket that year.
Lee Elder’s legacy 50 years on
The first day of the 2025 Masters tournament also marks another inspiring moment in golfing history. On 10th April 1975, Lee Elder became the first black golfer to compete in the Masters at Augusta National.
Despite facing death threats and racism in the run-up to, and during, the tournament, Elder persevered. His presence at Augusta was a pivotal moment, paving the way for future black golfers such as Tiger Woods, to make their names in the sport. In 2021, Elder was honored as an honorary starter at the Masters, months before his passing, cementing his legacy in golf history.
Who are the golf legends backing?
During the Honorary Starter press conference, golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson all predicted that Rory McIlroy will complete his career Grand Slam by winning the tournament this week. Watson shared a “gut feeling” about McIlroy, and Player praised his swing and fitness, noting his recent chat with Nicklaus on a strategy for Augusta.
“He has the best swing in golf without a question. He’s the fittest golfer. He went to Jack for advice on how to play this golf course. Nobody knows better than Jack. And I think timing in life, he’s had his adversities, his opportunities to win majors and let them slip. I think his time is right.”
Private jets jam Augusta
Worst opening round in 10 years recorded by ‘Rookie of the Year’
Nick Dunlap, the 2024 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, had a rough start to the 2025 Masters, shooting an 18-over-par 90 – the worst opening round in a decade. His front nine included a triple bogey on the 5th, and the back nine brought double bogeys on four holes, adding up to a 47. It was the highest first-round score at the Masters since Ben Crenshaw’s 91 in 2015.
Sergio’s clowning show
Just look at this outfit and remember that Jason Day’s sweater vest wasn’t allowed at The Masters.
Aged like a fine red
Forty years after his first Masters victory, Bernhard Langer is playing in this tournament for one last time.
And he paid homage to that wonderful day in the perfect way…
When you’ve got to go…
That’s not what “taking relief” means, Jose…
Masters champion ends 15-year eagle drought at Augusta
On the 14th hole, Couples flushed a 6-hybrid from 186 yards to make his first eagle on a par-4 at the Masters, and his first eagle at Augusta since 2010. At 65 years old, it proved the former champion still has some magic left in the bag.
A Rose among the azaleas
A couple of wayward drives on 17 and 18 almost cost Justin Rose, but he’ll clung on for a 65 that will give him a three-shot lead going into Friday’s second round. It matches his best first-round score, which he carded in 2021, and was his ninth opening round in the 60s. It’s also the fifth time the Englishman has been the 18-hole leader here – a Masters record.
Should he go on to win, Rose would become the second oldest Masters champion in history, after Jack Nicklaus.
Rory cards two double bogeys in four holes
Rory McIlroy was five shots clear of his playing partner Akshay Bhatia standing on 15th tee, but ended up two shots behind him four holes later.
He declined to speak to media after two double bogeys in four holes and did not look like a happy man at all. His first round average at Augusta is 71.7, so he was obviously just keen not to improve on that number.
Matsuyama drama
Also in double bogey hell was Hideki Matsuyama.
The 2021 champ almost slam dunked his approach for eagle at the par-5 13th. Instead, this happened…
Players fail to head Ridley’s pace of play warning
Speaking on Wednesday, Masters Chairman Fred Ridley had said pace of play was at the forefront of his mind and warned that there was no excuses for slow play with plans to take action in the future.
The players clearly didn’t listen. We followed Rory’s group for the majority of the round, which took five hours and forty minutes to complete, including a seven-minute wait on one tee.
Take the action, Fred.
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Everything you missed on Thursday at The Masters.
