Greg Norman may have the last laugh. Given the trauma Augusta National caused the Australian during his playing days, it would surely be an almighty roar.
Norman’s position front and centre of LIV’s disruption model means that a description of him as persona non grata at the Masters feels like the understatement of the year. The means for the former world No 1 to get even rather than mad lies in the hands of LIV converts. Enter Brooks Koepka, who made birdies on three of his final four holes to join the day-one leaders party at seven under par.
They would never admit it, but the Green Jackets would shuffle awkwardly if the charge of the LIV brigade results in Masters glory. Others, who have found themselves compelled by golf’s civil war, would inevitably find the scene rather amusing.
Koepka’s credentials will be well known by the rest of the field. This is the 14th time the Floridian has led or co-led at the end of a major round since 2017. He arrived in Georgia with a point to prove: that the leap to LIV has not rendered him a competitive irrelevance.
“Everybody on my team behind the scenes says they can see from the moment we land at a major, I get kind of quiet,” Koepka said. “I’m not talking. I’m very focused, disciplined, driven.
“There’s only really a couple things I care about; going to work out and going to play golf, and that’s it when we’re here. Nothing else really matters. It’s full focus on this and trying to walk out of here with a Green Jacket.”
The whiff of cordite was provided by a rules committee check on allegations that Koepka’s caddie, Ricky Elliott, provided club information to a colleague on the 15th. The beaks quickly cleared Elliott of any wrongdoing. “All involved were adamant that no advice was given or requested,” said a statement.
Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland had made 65s of their own before Koepka rolled in a putt from 8ft at the 18th to make it a three-way tie. Rahm’s day was remarkable in that it started with a four-putt for a double-bogey six. This is becoming a theme: Scottie Scheffler needed four wafts of the putter on the 72nd hole a year ago, when victory thankfully was already secure. “If you’re going to make a double or four-putt, it might as well be the first hole,” said Rahm. “Seventy-one holes to make it up.”
Hovland had never shot lower than 70 at Augusta. His front half was completed in only 31 shots, which should be worthy of high praise given the Norwegian had Tiger Woods for playing company. Woods limped his way to a 74, which did nothing to dispel patrons from the notion they are watching a final chapter playing out.
The European flavour to the upper echelons of the scoreboard was maintained by Shane Lowry, who shot 68. Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Gary Woodland and Adam Scott matched Lowry’s tally. Cameron Young’s round of 67 raised the possibility of a maiden mainstream tour win on one of the grandest stages of all. Young, who was runner-up at the Open last July, is a man for the big occasion. Jason Day’s resurgence continued with an identical score to Young.
Sergio García had cause to be disappointed with a 74, having been two under at the turn. García’s disquiet instead focused on the press, whom he feels are stirring up trouble between his fellow LIV rebels and those loyal to golf’s traditional ecosystem. “You guys need to stop it,” Garcia insisted. “You guys are making a big deal out of this. I’ve had nothing but great things from every single player I talk to. So please stop it and talk about the Masters.” Saucer of milk for the 2017 champion, who presumably thinks legal battles and Norman’s ostracisation are a figment of the media’s imagination. Bryson DeChambeau – remember him? – signed for a 74. DeChambeau can cite injury as cause but his slide towards oblivion has been quite something.
Fred Couples, aged 63, opened with a wonderful 71. “For all the best players here, I thought it played pretty easy today,” said Couples. The 1992 champion had a point. A benign day provided great opportunity. Competitors should have enjoyed this while it lasted, with low temperatures, gusts and rain included in the forecast for the remainder of the tournament.
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Kevin Na withdrew after nine holes due to illness. The injured Will Zalatoris did not even make it as far as the first tee. The Northern Irish amateur Matt McClean led the Masters when two under after four. Reality duly struck; McClean closed at plus five.
Sandy Lyle and Larry Mize, both playing in the Masters for the final time, signed for 81 and 79 respectively. Lyle snapped a club in half when playing his second shot at the 1st. “And it wasn’t even over my knee,” said the Scot with a smile. “It’s the first one I’ve broken here. Taken 40 years to do it but it’s happened.” Koepka could break the internet. Eighteen down, 54 to go.
