Masters Tournament 2023: Scottie Scheffler Leads Day 1 with a Strong Start

Masters Day 1: World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler Takes Control with Bogey-Free 66

April 7, 2023 – World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler seized control of the opening round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National, firing a superb 6-under 66 to take a one-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau.

Scheffler, the betting favorite coming into the event, showcased his dominant ball-striking, navigating the tricky conditions caused by heavy overnight rains and a weather delay with precision. The reigning Masters champion carded a bogey-free round, chipping in from the back bunker on the 12th hole and escaping unscathed after a wayward tee shot on the 13th.

DeChambeau, the 2020 U.S. Open winner, set the early pace with a clever 5-under 65, giving him a slim advantage over Scheffler when play was suspended due to darkness. A total of 27 players were unable to complete the opening round and will return early Friday morning to finish.

Among the other notable performances:

• European Ryder Cup star Nicolai Højgaard surged to 5-under through 15 holes.
• 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett carded a 4-under 68 to sit in fourth place.
• Max Homa, who has struggled at Augusta in the past, positioned himself nicely at 4-under through 13 holes.

The forecast for the remainder of the tournament calls for continued windy conditions, with gusts up to 30 mph expected on Friday. Scheffler, who is scheduled to tee off in the afternoon wave, will have to navigate the challenging conditions to maintain his lead.

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