Rory McIlroy Leads Masters With Historic 63, Afternoon Sets Up Crucial Weekend
Key Takeaways
- Rory McIlroy defends his Masters title starting Thursday, April 9.
- Tee times and pairings for rounds 1-2 announced.
- Rahm, Scheffler, DeChambeau, and Fleetwood among early contenders.
McIlroy's Historic Start
Rory McIlroy leapt to the top of the Masters leaderboard with a record-setting 10-under-par 63.
“- Published Rory McIlroy will get the defence of his Masters title under way at 15:31 BST on Thursday, 9 April when the 90th edition of the first major of the year begins”
The defending champion surged out of the gate with birdies on four of the first six holes.
He completed the round with nine consecutive pars, his best ever defensive game.
His six-shot lead was the largest at the Masters after 36 holes since Jack Nicklaus in 1965.
Afternoon Duel
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler moved into the conversation with a 65, trimming McIlroy's lead.
Bryson DeChambeau also rallied with an albatross and chip-in eagle on the back nine.
Groupings for the weekend promise dramatic head-to-head competition among the top players.
Crowds, Coverage, and Future
The tournament drew over 50,000 spectators, signaling a return to normalcy.
“The first and second rounds of the 90th Masters at Augusta National Golf Club will begin in threesomes”
TV ratings saw an uptick, the best opening since 2019.
The event marked the end of an era with Tigergate behind them.
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