History was firmly on the side of Rory McIlroy's rival on Friday as he looked to revive his chances of winning the Masters and completing his career with a Grand Slam title.
McIlroy finished the first round with a 72, behind Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose, who took the first-round lead for the fifth time in his career, setting a new record he has shared with six-time champion Jack Nicklaus since also shooting 65 in 2021.
This is the seventh straight year that McIlroy has trailed by six or more points after the first round, with only one of the last 19 Masters winners – Sergio Garcia in 2017 – being in that position, more than four points behind after the first round.
Only two men in history have won from seven strokes behind after 18 holes: Nick Faldo in 1990 and Tiger Woods in 2005.
Moreover, McIlroy had a chance to break 70 in the first round at Augusta National for just the third time in 17 attempts, but he shot four under par on the 13th hole with two birdies.
However, the world number two missed from close range for another birdie on his next shot and then made double bogey on the 15th hole, hitting it into the water in front of the green.
McIlroy also made two bogeys on the 17th hole, hitting a run-up shot off the green and three putts from 20 feet after a poor chip.
Rose's only blemish was a miss on the 18th hole, but the 44-year-old still moved three shots clear of defending champion Scottie Scheffler, Ludwig Aberg and Corey Conners.
Each of the last five Masters champions has finished in the top three after the first round, and Rose was told at the post-round press conference that the statistics favor those who start fast.
“I didn't know that was a statistic, but it makes sense because this golf course demands a lot of respect,” said the 2013 U.S. Open champion.
“So when you're playing with or near an advantage, you have the opportunity, or even the luxury, to be patient and respectful of the holes, the pins, and so on.
“When you're in pursuit mode, you're likely to make one or two stupid mistakes,
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
