Advertisement We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories Scottie Scheffler at Augusta.Alamy Stock Photo Scottie Scheffler makes strong start to Masters defence as Justin Rose takes early lead Rory McIlroy is creeping up to the group of early leaders after a birdie on nine to put him on three-under. 9.02pm, 10 Apr 2025 Share options SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER HAS made a strong start to defending his Masters title after carding a four-under 68 on the opening day at Augusta. The world number one made an early statement of intent with an exceptional putt from 62 feet to birdie the fourth, and also rolled in a 42-foot putt to birdie the 16th. He enjoyed a bogey-free round to put him in a solid position to join Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as the only players to win two straight Masters titles. Follow the latest Masters first round leaderboard here Scheffler sits alongside Corey Connors in a share of second place after the Canadian also finished his first round with a four-under 68. Connors had just one bogey today on the fifth but picked up three birdies in his last four holes to take him to four-under. Justin Rose currently leads the field on six-under through 12. He got off to a blistering start with three birdies in a row and picked up three more on the eighth, ninth and 10th holes to put him two shots in front. Advertisement The 44-year-old has had at least a share of the first-round lead at Augusta National four times, most recently in 2021. 62 feet for birdie. Scheffler reaches two under par for the Tournament. #themasters pic.twitter.com/4McwujgliJ— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 10, 2025 Tyrrell Hatton is among the early frontrunners with a three-under 69, while Aaron Rai, Harris English and Jason Day all finished their opening rounds on two-under 70. Rory McIlroy is creeping up to that group of early leaders after a birdie on nine to put him on three-under. Shane Lowry has also just picked up a birdie and is one-under through eight. Written by Sinead Farrell and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here. Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Scottie Scheffler makes strong start to Masters defence as Justin Rose takes early lead”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Scottie Scheffler makes strong start to Masters defence as Justin Rose takes early lead”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Newly created accounts can only comment using The Journal app. This is to add an extra layer of security to account creation. Download and sign into the app to continue. Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Justin Rose Rory McIlroy Scottie Scheffler Shane Lowry News in 60 seconds White House Cabinet Donald Trump admits 'cost' from his 'beautiful' tariff war - while claiming win over EU Teenager in critical condition following serious assault in Coolock 12 mins ago Killarney National Park issues fire warning as photo of young deer underscores devastation 19 mins ago New York City Helicopter crashes into Hudson River in New York community safety The government is quietly scrapping local committees charged with holding gardaí accountable evening fix Here's What Happened Today: Thursday Central Criminal Court Man who turned gun on drug dealer and put his body in suitcase jailed for eight years Trump announces 90-day tariff 'pause' on countries that 'have not retaliated', ratchets up China rate to 125% Like Father Like Daughter Crowds erupt as Rory McIlroy’s daughter Poppy drains 30-foot putt at the Masters citizenship Law allowing naturalised Irish citizenship to be revoked in serious cases recommenced not for sitting 'Please don't sit on the curb' signs appear on Dublin's Drury Street more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online