Jon Rahm is the FAVOURITE to win this year’s Masters, with the Spaniard currently sharing the lead with Viktor Hovland and Brooks Koepka… while 2022 winner Scottie Scheffler is 5/1 to retain the green jacket
Jon Rahm has emerged as the favourite to win this year’s Masters after his opening day display.
Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Brooks Koepka shot superb seven-under-par 65s to lead The Masters after the opening day.
Sitting two shots back are Cameron Young and Jason Day at five-under, while defending champion Scottie Scheffler heads the hunting pack at four-under.
One of the highlights of the day saw amateur Sam Bennett shoot a bogey-free round on his Masters debut.
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy didn’t have the easiest first day as the four-time major champion carded an even par 72.
Jon Rahm has emerged as the favourite to win the Masters after his opening day performance
Jon Rahm shares the lead with Viktor Hovland and Brooks Koepka after day one
In total, McIlroy scored five birdies, three bogeys and a horrific double-bogey on the par-four seventh hole that was the result of a poor second shot that flew into the gallery – followed by a chip that fell into the bunker and a lip out on his bogey putt.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the opening day, McIlroy revealed it felt like a scramble after his poor start.
‘It felt like a bit of a scramble all day to be honest. I missed a couple of tee shots left and sorta paid the price for that on 7 and 17, the Northern Irishman said.
FAVOURITE TO WIN THE MASTERS
Jon Rahm – 3/1
Scottie Scheffler – 5/1
Brooks Koepka – 13/2
Viktor Hovland – 9/1
Jason Day – 12/1
Odds via Paddy Power
‘It was just a little untidy in some other areas as well. I made enough birdies and I usually always do that, it was just keeping the mistakes off the card and today I didn’t quite do that.
‘But, you know, salvaged an even par round and [it’s a] quick turnaround overnight and we’ll get back at it tomorrow.’
With the second day of the tournament due to take place this afternoon, Rahm is the favourite to win this year’s Masters, according to Paddy Power, at 3/1.
The 2022 winner, Scheffler, enjoyed a solid day yesterday. The American is currently the second favourite at 5/1, with Koepka behind him at 13/2.
Tiger Woods, who will be looking to win his sixth title, is way off the pace. The American is left nine shots off the leaders on two-over after the first round in what could be his last Masters tournament. His last win at Augusta came in 2019 For those thinking the American could still achieve glory, Woods is 500/1 to win the green jacket.
Hovland will certainly be one to keep an eye on as the tournament progresses after his opening day showing. The Norwegian is currently 9/1 to win this year’s Masters according to Paddy Power.
As for McIlroy, the Northern Irishman came into the tournament as one of the favourites to win the coveted green jacket but is now 20/1 after his poor outing yesterday.
The second day of the 2023 Masters will get underway this afternoon at 12.30pm.
