Bryson DeChambeau’s triple bogey defies Masters expectations
Bryson DeChambeau’s triple bogey on the 11th hole resulted in a 76, greatly jeopardizing his chances of qualifying for the Masters.
Masters/Courtesy of Augusta National
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Rory is the story after the first round of the Masters.
Regardless, the defending champion attracted the biggest gallery in my eyes, and even though he said he felt nervous on the first tee, he looked completely at ease.
He wasn’t great, but he was very good.
At the end of the first round, he finished with a 5-under 67 and was tied for the lead with Sam Burns.
Below are four quick shots and one celebrity sighting after round one.
Rory McIlroy could win the green jacket again
McIlroy tried to tell us. Before the tournament began, he speculated that if he was going to win another major in his career, it would be best to win at Augusta National.
The Masters has proven to be his most difficult major to win for the first time, but he believes his experience on this course puts him in a position to earn a second victory here.
He didn’t expect that to happen this season, but Thursday’s round suggests it’s a possibility.
McIlroy didn’t have a great tee shot, especially on the front nine, but as long as he avoids mishaps and does a good job around the greens, he can safely miss the fairway here.
McIlroy did it. He looks relaxed and confident. He may not win, but he is the favorite.
Bye-bye, Bryson?
Bryson DeChambeau is a polarizing figure within the larger golf community. he has fans. He has his detractors. But here he is a hit.
He wasn’t quite as much of a draw as McIlroy, but he had a devoted following.
He’s a brother’s brother, and who doesn’t love watching a muscular guy hit a tee?
After DeChambeau hit a spectacular bomb that split the fairway on the 570-yard par-5, one player on No. 8 definitely liked the play.
“Big dogs must eat.” DeChambeau fans screamed.
On cue, DeChambeau pulled an energy bar from his golf bag and ate it. As he went for the shot, the crowd gave him a hearty ovation.
But after that beautiful drive, DeChambeau was unable to birdie the par-5. He settled for par.
The less said about DeChambeau’s disastrous performance after the turn, the better.
He’s 4 over, so he might not be ready for the weekend.
Xander Schauffele is solid but not elite.
No one asked me – OK, maybe. a bit People asked me, but my pick for the winner was Schauffele. He was a top-10 car at Augusta, and I thought it wasn’t that hard of a climb until he slid off the Green Jacket from 8th, 3rd, and 2nd.
Or maybe it is. Just ask McIlroy.
He finished in the top 10 seven times and ultimately won the Masters in his 17th appearance.
Schauffele had a solid but unremarkable performance, finishing at 2 under par.
Another top 10 finish? Book now. He’s a machine, I say.
Are you confident that your choice of X will be chosen for Sunday’s spot? Not exactly.
Rest In Peace, Live Golf
Round 1 leaders are:
- Burns: 5 under
- McIlroy: 5 under
- Cart Kitayama: 3 under
- Jason Day: 3 under
- Patrick Reed: 3 under
If you’re scoring at home, that’s four golfers who never lived the LIV life and one former LIV golfer (Lead) returning to the PGA Tour.
Will LIV thrive for long?
It’s like having instant success with LIV and being a huge success.
Or in Jon Rahm’s case, he goes to LIV and goes 6 over. There were no birdies on his scorecard. Oops.
MLB commissioner appears at Masters
As I stood near the 18th green watching McIlroy, Mason Howell and Cameron Young finish their rounds, I thought I recognized the man in the green jacket standing next to me.
I took a look at his credentials to check the facts. Rob Manfred, MLB commissioner and member of Augusta National, was in attendance, credentials confirmed.
Does Manfred count as a celebrity sighted? Yes.
I missed the opportunity to tell him my thoughts on the possibility of MLB’s “golden at-bat” rule.
The green jacket looks really cool. Even if the golden at-bat rule were to become a reality, it would be pretty stupid.
Blake Topmeyer is a columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow at X @btoppmeyer.
