Bryson DeChambeau birdied 5 of six holes throughout a stretch on the again 9 to steer the weather-delayed first spherical of the Masters on Thursday in Augusta, Ga.
DeChambeau shot 7-under-par 65 for his lowest rating at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership. He’s one stroke in entrance of 2022 Masters champion Scottie Scheffler.
“It’s at all times nice getting off to a scorching begin — 3 underneath by means of the primary three holes type of will get you settled,” DeChambeau mentioned. “I knew it was going to be a troublesome day right now with the wind and even (Friday), so loads of persistence is required round this golf course and ensuring you’re simply stroking in your line.”
Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard, 23, chipped in from the perimeter for birdies on Nos. 7 and 12 to succeed in 5 underneath. He has three holes to complete within the spherical.
There was a 2 1/2-hour climate delay earlier than the primary spherical of the 88th version of the match lastly started in late morning. Quite a few golfers must full their first rounds Friday morning after play was suspended shortly earlier than 8 p.m. Thursday.
Amongst these is Max Homa, who’s 4 underneath by means of 13 holes.
Englishman Danny Willett completed at 4-under 68. Ryan Fox of New Zealand, Cam Davis of Australia and Tyrrell Hatton of England are tied at 3 underneath. Hatton has 4 holes to complete within the spherical.
The primary birdie of the match was posted by Willett on the primary gap.
“Two good photographs and a stunning putt there type of settles the nerves a bit bit,” mentioned Willett, the 2016 Masters winner who later rolled in a putt of greater than 15 toes for birdie on the ultimate gap.
DeChambeau’s 65 matched his lowest spherical in a significant, which he achieved within the 2021 British Open. He rolled in eight birdies to go together with one bogey on Thursday.
“My sport has progressed,” he mentioned. “I’ve tried to be a bit bit smarter on the market on the golf course and never attempt to go for broke and go for each flag, however place it in the best place.”
Eight years in the past on this course, DeChambeau completed the match as the highest beginner, however he has greater objectives now.
“I like this golf course, love the patrons, love the members, love the golf course situations,” he mentioned. “All the pieces about it. It’s one thing I’ve dreamed of at all times profitable my complete life.”
Scheffler had birdies on 4 of 5 holes on the again 9 in a bogey-free spherical. His was the one bogey-free spherical accomplished when play was suspended.
“I did job of staying affected person,” Scheffler mentioned. “We saved the golf course in entrance of us. And, I imply, I executed some very nice up-and-downs to maintain the spherical going.”
Fox sank a protracted eagle putt on the par-5 eighth for the early lead at 5 underneath. He was with out a bogey till No. 13.
The primary golfer to finish an under-par spherical was Erik van Rooyen of South Africa at 1 underneath, although he was 4 underneath by means of 13 earlier than struggling down the stretch.
“Total, I performed improbable,” van Rooyen mentioned. “I made one poor swing, and that was on 17.”
Defending champion Jon Rahm of Spain teed off within the afternoon, ending at 1-over 73 regardless of taking part in the primary 9 holes in 2 underneath.
“It’s not straightforward. You’re not likely having the luxurious on the market of having the ability to miss photographs, particularly tee photographs,” Rahm mentioned. “Sadly, on that again 9, I missed just a few too many photographs.”
Will Zalatoris, the 2021 Masters runner-up, had a chip-in from lower than 10 yards off the inexperienced to save lots of par on the fifth gap. He completed at 2 underneath.
He withdrew from the Masters final 12 months shortly earlier than his first-round tee time with a again damage. He tied for sixth in 2022.
“It’s onerous to not be grateful being right here, however I’m much more grateful now,” Zalatoris mentioned.
5-time champion Tiger Woods had his tee time pushed again from 1:24 p.m. to three:54 p.m., so he has 5 holes to complete within the spherical. He birdied the primary gap and is 1 underneath by means of 13 holes in a partial spherical that included clutch par-saving putts.
Different notable names at 1 underneath included Rory McIlroy of Northern Eire, Viktor Hovland of Norway, Cameron Smith of Australia, Matt Fitzpatrick of England, Patrick Cantlay and Tony Finau, all of whom accomplished rounds of 71.