The Masters 2025 Day One LIVE: Leaderboard and updates as world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler aims to defend his crown

The leaderboard is currently congested with eight players sharing the top spot as approximately one-third of the field has completed their initial rounds.

The current leaders include Jhonattan Vegas, Chris Kirk, Aaron Rai, Stephan Jaeger, Joaquin Niemann.

Joining them are Nicolai Hojgaard, Michael Kim, Zach Johnson, Noah Kent, Bernhard Langer, Corey Conners, Byeong Hun An, Max Greyserman, and Robert MacIntyre.

Justin Thomas executed a skillful punch shot from the right bunker, successfully reaching the putting surface.

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Scottie Scheffler delivered a pure strike, positioning his ball closer to the pin than Thomas from a more favorable lie.

Jose Luis Ballester’s second shot adeptly avoided an overhanging tree, landing on the green but unfortunately rolling just off the edge.

Scottie Scheffler, the defending Masters champion, has commenced his quest to retain the Green Jacket at Augusta National.

In his opening round, Justin Thomas’s tee shot veered to the right, while US Amateur winner Jose Luis Ballester found the fairway with his drive.

Noah Kent, currently leading amateur in the tournament, overcame a night of discomfort in the Butler Cabin’s attic, traditionally reserved for non-professional players.

“Just slept awkwardly on my neck,” Kent mentioned to Golf Channel. “The bed isn’t exactly a perfect fit for me, but we are managing.”

Brian Harman, winner at Hoylake, and Aaron Rai of England have surged to two-under, creating a tie for the lead.

The most unexpected contender is Nicolai Hojgaard.

Despite a rocky start, going three-over through the initial two holes, Hojgaard has impressively birdied five of the subsequent six holes to seize a share of the lead.

Highlighting amateur talent, Noah Kent of the University of Florida, in his Masters debut after a runner-up finish at the 2024 US Amateur, briefly shared the tournament lead.

Currently, the players at the top include Zach Johnson, Chris Kirk, Noah Kent, and Aaron Rai.

Also contending are Nicolai Hojgaard, Michael Kim, Bernhard Langer, JT Poston, Fred Couples, Harris English, Brian Harman, Stephan Jaeger, Corey Conners, and Byeong Hun An.

Augusta National’s renowned landscaping and immaculate presentation are on full display, even if you aren’t on the grounds.

The accompanying video underscores the course’s stunning beauty.

The Masters’ inaugural featured group has commenced their round.

Collin Morikawa initiated strongly with a perfect drive, followed by Joaquin Niemann’s solid shot. Min Woo Lee, however, encountered trouble with a shank to the left, landing in the trees.

Fred Couples ignited the crowd at Augusta with a remarkable chip-in to conclude the first hole.

Here’s an updated look at the Masters leaderboard as more players begin their first round:

Leading contenders include Jhonattan Vegas, Mike Weir, Michael Kim, Danny Willett, Davis Thompson, Bernhard Langer, Noah Kent, JT Poston, Aaron Rai, Fred Couples, and Brian Harman.

Chris Kirk’s consistent play, marked by minimal errors, was further enhanced by a birdie on the 4th hole, elevating him to the top of the leaderboard alongside Zach Johnson.

In approximately 30 minutes, the first featured group of the day, comprising Collin Morikawa, Joaquin Niemann, and Min Woo Lee, is set to commence their Masters campaign.

Former Masters champion Zach Johnson maintains a blemish-free round thus far.

Birdies on the 2nd and 3rd holes have propelled him to a one-stroke lead in the tournament.

Nicolai Hojgaard experienced a dramatic opening to his Masters debut.

The Danish golfer began with a bogey on the first hole followed by a double-bogey on the second.

However, he quickly rebounded with three consecutive birdies, bringing his score back to even par.

Conditions at Augusta National are currently beautiful for golf.

The forecast indicates clear, warm weather with only scattered clouds.

The early Masters leaderboard is forming, featuring:

• Jhonattan Vegas
• Mike Weir
• Michael Kim
• Zach Johnson
• Davis Riley
• Danny Willett
• Nicolas Echavarria
• Davis Thompson
• Bernhard Langer
• Noah Kent

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This year’s Masters tournament boasts a record number of left-handed participants.

Notable lefties include three-time Masters victor Phil Mickelson, alongside major contenders like Robert McIntyre and Akshay Bhatia.

The field also features fellow southpaws, Masters champions Bubba Watson and Mike Weir, as well as Open Championship winner Brian Harman.

Completing the list of left-handed players are Joe Highsmith and Matt McCarty.

Interested in placing a wager on the Masters? FanDuel has released the latest odds.

The reigning champion is favored to defend his title, leading the odds. However, several prominent names are close behind:

• Xander Schauffele +1800
• Bryson DeChambeau +1800

Bernhard Langer, the oldest competitor at 67, has begun his final Masters appearance. This tournament marks his voluntary retirement from the Masters, relinquishing his lifetime invitation earned from his 1985 and 1993 victories.

While Langer remains competitive on the Champions Tour, his illustrious Masters journey is concluding.

Patton Kizzire secures a birdie on the 4th hole, marking the second birdie of the day after Davis Riley’s earlier birdie on the par-5 second.

The first competitive play of the Masters is underway as the initial group reaches the 4th hole.

Davis Riley and Patton Kizzire have both reached the green on the Par-3 fourth hole.

Even at 85 years old, the ‘Golden Bear’, Jack Nicklaus, demonstrates remarkable accuracy.

His tee shot was met with appreciative applause, notably from his wife, Barbara.

Since becoming an honorary starter in 2022, 75-year-old Tom Watson has seamlessly integrated into the esteemed group alongside Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus.

The ever-smiling Watson, the youngest of the honorary starters, even out-drove his fellow legends during the ceremonial start.

Tommy Fleetwood’s son, Frankie, embodies the ideal attitude for the golf course.

He’s quickly becoming the unsung hero of the 2025 Masters.

The pressure of the first hole was evident for the opening group. Davis Riley’s drive strayed left into the trees, but he recovered skillfully to reach the green and two-putted for par.

Patton Kizzire, unfortunately, faced a tougher start. A ‘fore right’ call signaled his tee shot deep into the woods, leading to an eventual bogey and a challenging beginning to his Masters.

Watch the full ceremony of the Honorary Starters, courtesy of The Masters X account:

It was a memorable moment for the legendary Jack Nicklaus and all spectators present.

Davis Riley, making his Masters debut, enters the tournament with two PGA Tour victories. His wins include the 2023 Zurich Classic and a notable triumph at the Charles Schwab Challenge last May, where he outperformed runners-up Keegan Bradley and Scottie Scheffler by a significant five strokes.

His playing partner, Patton Kizzire, is participating in his third Masters and his first since 2019. It also marks his first major appearance since the 2022 US Open. Kizzire, a 39-year-old veteran, boasts three PGA Tour titles, most recently claiming the Procore Championship in Silverado, California, in September 2024.

Pin placements are crucial at Augusta National. Here are the hole locations for the first round, meticulously studied by players.

Davis Riley and Patton Kizzire, the first pair to test the course, are on the tee and about to begin their Masters journey.

Gary Player, at 89, truly embodies his ‘Mr. Fitness’ moniker.

‘This fairway seems to narrow each year,’ joked the legendary Gary Player as he approached the first tee. Remarkably fit at 89, his opening drive was well-executed.

Next, Jack Nicklaus playfully warned spectators before powerfully driving his tee shot straight down the fairway to enthusiastic cheers.

Finally, two-time Masters champion and eight-time major winner Tom Watson teed off, concluding the honorary starters’ ceremony amidst warm applause. The Masters is officially underway.

Competitive play is imminent. The Honorary Starters teed off within minutes, launching the tournament. This year’s honorary starters include Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson, drawing large crowds eager to witness these golf icons.

The first official tee time followed swiftly at 7:40am ET, with Davis Riley and Patton Kizzire leading the opening group.

Other notable tee times include Danny Willett at 8:24am, Cam Smith at 8:52am, Collin Morikawa at 9:47am, Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas at 10:15am, and Rory McIlroy at 1:12pm.

Relive Poppy McIlroy’s incredible putt – a feat her father, Rory, will undoubtedly aim to replicate this week!

While the serious competition begins today, yesterday offered a more relaxed preview. The traditional Par-3 Contest provided lighter moments, featuring players with their families, creating unforgettable memories, highlighted by Poppy McIlroy’s remarkable putt.

Although Nicolas Echavarria won the Par-3 Contest (known for the superstition that winners cannot win the Masters), McIlroy’s daughter stole the show by sinking an impressive putt on the ninth hole. Video highlights are forthcoming.

Good morning and welcome to what many consider the premier week in golf. It’s Masters Thursday, and we are moments away from the first tee-offs at Augusta National.

Throughout the tournament, we will deliver comprehensive updates, including exclusive insights from our team of reporters on the ground.