Great to see The Masters return in the usual April spot. As it always been in a long time. After the 2020 edition finally came during November due to COVID.
Justin Rose from England leads after Round 1 today on -7. Brian Harman not far behind on -3 who hails from Savannah, GA. Where he is tied up with Hideki Matsuyama (Japan). Plus two Americans round off the Top 5. Will Zalatoris who leads out of the youth alone. He is joint 4th from San Francisco, California. And Webb Simpson aged 35 from Raleigh, NC.
Jordan Speith is in 12th spot/tied 8th at -1 today. Just behind Tyrell Hatton who shot a great birdie in the 12th hole. He came off a tour win last week in Texas. With plenty of work to catch up tomorrow if he wants that green jacket badly. As written in our 2021 Masters preview. Marc Leishman is the No.1 Aussie here. He is aged 37 from Warrnambool, Victoria in 19th spot/tied 13th at Even Par.
Rory McIIroy fired off against his way in 66th at four over par. He came here as the underdog with plenty of criticism regarding his swing. Which led to the hiring of Pete Cowen. Things might change over the next day or two. Well thankfully his dad is okay after he was hit off McIlroy in the 7th hole. But right now the chance to take home the green jacket is a tall order. Same goes to Bryson DeChambeau. He may have won the Arnold Palmer Invitational last month.
But his run here in Augusta does not really benefit his preparations. He too has also entered The Masters as one of the favourites. Just like the delayed 2020 edition where it did not end well. So far there is no sign of early progress. He is four places behind McIIroy in 70th on four over par. Not a great start from both men.
Day 1 is complete with former World No.1 Rose leads the line. Speith still has time to enter the Top 10. Then look to close down to the front row. The same goes to Leishman. And it will be interesting to see if both McIIroy & DeChambeau turns around tomorrow. Cannot wait for Day 2 of 4 in the 2021 Masters. It starts at 5am tomorrow & Sunday. Followed by 4am Monday morning for the final round.
