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Golf-LIV's DeChambeau storms into Masters lead, Scheffler one back

LIV Golf's Bryson DeChambeau used a sizzling burst of late birdies to muscle into a oneshot lead over Scottie Scheffler on Thursday as Spaniard Jon Rahm's Masters title defence left to an unsteady start.

After a storm delayed the start of the year's first significant by 2-1/2 hours, 2020 U.S. Open champ DeChambeau thrived in the windy but softened conditions and blended 8 birdies with one bogey for a seven-under-par 65.

Due to the late start, there were 27 golf players who had yet to finish their opening rounds before play was suspended due to darkness, including Masters debutant Nicolai Hojgaard of Denmark who was two shots back of DeChambeau with 3 holes to play.

DeChambeau, who raised eyebrows in 2020 when he stated the par-72 Augusta National design for him played more like a par-67, delighted in a fast start as he opened with three successive birdie putts, none longer than six feet.

The only imperfection on DeChambeau's card came at the par-four ninth where he three-putted from 70 feet however he went on to scorch the back nine with five birdies over a hot six-hole stretch that he topped with a 31-foot birdie putt at the 17th.

I have a level of regard for this golf course that's a bit different than a couple years back, and clearly today was a fantastic test of golf, and I was able to conquer an extremely difficult golf course, said DeChambeau, who is one of 13 LIV Golf gamers in the field.

Concerning the 67 remark, you understand, you screw up. I'm not a perfect person. Everyone messes up. You learn from your errors, which was certainly one.

World top and pre-tournament preferred Scheffler, playing in a prominent group with Grand Slam-seeking Rory McIlroy and Olympic champ Xander Schauffele, also rode a late birdie blitz to card a bogey-free six-under-par 66.

Scheffler, the 2022 Masters champion, was 2 under through 11 holes but caught fire with four birdies over his next five to pull within a shot of DeChambeau.

I did a great job of staying patient today, said Scheffler. We kept the golf course in front of us. And, I imply, I carried out some really nice up-and-downs to keep the round going.

McIlroy, who missed out on the cut in last year's Masters and is making his 10th effort at finishing a career Grand Slam of golf's 4 majors, opened with a 71 while world number 5 Schauffele carded a 72.

COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED

Being in the clubhouse alone in 3rd location was 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett, who is making his very first start given that undergoing shoulder surgery in September and only selected Sunday that he would play this week.

The 36-year-old Englishman reached the turn at 3 under however two bogeys over his next 5 holes knocked him out of contention up until he birdied three of the final 4 holes.

I think I may take the next six months off, Willett joked after his opening 68. No, it's completely unanticipated. Sometimes that takes place, whatever. You make a number of birdies and your mind begins thinking, all right, I can do it.

LIV Golf's Rahm, bidding to become the 4th golfer to effectively safeguard his Masters crown, released his title defence with a one-over-par 73.

Rahm reached the turn riding high after two consecutive birdies moved him to 2 under but he endured an unsteady back 9 that consisted of 4 bogeys.

It's a hard golf course. That's all I can state, stated Rahm. It's difficult. You're not truly having the high-end out there of being able to miss shots, particularly tee shots. Regrettably, on that back nine I missed out on a couple of a lot of shots.

The postponed start to the preliminary implies the day's late starters, including five-times champ Tiger Woods, 2023 runner-up Brooks Koepka and previous winner Dustin Johnson, are not likely to complete their first rounds on Thursday.

Woods, who is seeking a Masters tournament record 24th successive made cut however was one under par through 13 holes.

The 15-times major champion, playing in just his second competition of 2024 due to bothersome injuries, will return early on Friday to complete his opening round and will then have a short turn-around before the second round.

(source: Reuters)