DeChambeau Seizes Masters Lead with Late Surge, Scheffler Trails Close Behind as Rahm Struggles

In a captivating opening day at the Masters, Bryson DeChambeau surged into the lead with a scintillating display of golf, leaving Scottie Scheffler hot on his heels while Jon Rahm faced early challenges in his title defense.

After a weather delay pushed back the start of the tournament, DeChambeau wasted no time asserting his dominance, carding a remarkable seven-under-par 65 to claim the top spot on the leaderboard. The 2020 US Open champion showcased his prowess with a flurry of birdies, overcoming windy conditions to navigate Augusta National’s challenging layout with precision.

DeChambeau’s electrifying start was highlighted by a trio of birdies to kick off his round, setting the tone for a stellar performance. Despite a lone bogey on the ninth hole, he rebounded impressively on the back nine, reeling off five birdies in a blistering six-hole stretch to seize control of the tournament.

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Reflecting on his performance, DeChambeau acknowledged his evolving perspective on Augusta National, expressing a newfound respect for the iconic course. His dominant showing on Thursday underscored his ability to conquer one of golf’s most revered venues, signaling his readiness to contend for the coveted green jacket.

Meanwhile, Scheffler, the world number one and a pre-tournament favorite, delivered a solid performance of his own, carding a bogey-free six-under-par 66 to stay within striking distance of DeChambeau. Despite a relatively quiet start, Scheffler unleashed a late surge with four birdies in his final seven holes, showcasing his composure and shot-making prowess under pressure.

While DeChambeau and Scheffler stole the spotlight with their stellar play, defending champion Jon Rahm faced a challenging start to his title defense. Rahm, who entered the tournament with high expectations, struggled to find his rhythm on Thursday, carding a one-over-par 73 to finish the day with work to do.

Despite a promising start that saw him climb to two under par at the turn, Rahm faltered on the back nine, succumbing to four bogeys that derailed his momentum. Acknowledging the demanding nature of Augusta National, Rahm remained focused on regrouping for the challenges ahead, determined to bounce back in the days to come.

As darkness fell, several players, including five-time champion Tiger Woods, were unable to complete their opening rounds, adding an element of suspense to the tournament’s unfolding narrative. Woods, making a highly anticipated return to Augusta National, showed glimpses of his legendary form, positioning himself well with a solid start through 13 holes.

With the first round set to resume on Friday morning, players will have the opportunity to finish what they started and make their move up the leaderboard. As the Masters unfolds, anticipation builds for the unfolding drama and memorable moments that lie ahead on golf’s grandest stage.