Max Homa, a seasoned golfer with six PGA Tour wins but limited major success, kicked off this year's Masters Tournament with an impressive performance. At 33, the Californian golfer finished his opening round early on Friday, delivering a solid score that positioned him among the top contenders. Playing the final five holes of the round under par, Homa shot a 67 to tie for third place.
Nicolai Højgaard of Denmark also finished his initial round with a score matching Homa's. Both golfers found themselves just one stroke behind Scottie Scheffler and two strokes behind the leader, Bryson DeChambeau, as the second round commenced.
Despite delays caused by weather on Thursday, 27 players resumed their games early Friday morning. Højgaard, performing steadily, matched the lowest debut round by a European at the Masters—a record previously set by David Gilford in 1995.
Reflecting on the course conditions, Højgaard noted,
"The course is slightly more forgiving this morning. It’s a bit soft, and the greens are immaculate."
Meanwhile, Homa, whose best result at the Masters was a 43rd place tie last year, demonstrated his skills particularly on the 16th and 17th holes, nearly acing one shot. However, a mishap on the 18th prevented him from saving par, marking a small setback in his otherwise stellar round.
The opening round also saw varied performances from other players. Tiger Woods and Jason Day, who played alongside Homa, had challenging finishes, with Woods shooting a 73 and Day a 75 after a costly double bogey on the 16th.
Jordan Spieth, the 2015 Masters champion, struggled significantly, ending with a score of 79 after a disastrous quadruple-bogey on the 15th hole.
Højgaard, a young talent with three European wins, is optimistic about his game despite recent challenges.
"I’m not focusing too much on recent performances. I feel positive about my game; it's gradually improving," he stated.
Homa, reflecting on his round and the impact of playing with seasoned pros like Woods, expressed a mix of reverence and motivation.
"Playing alongside Tiger definitely adds an element of excitement,"
Homa mentioned, emphasizing the positive influence on his game.
The day continued with Homa maintaining his form despite changing wind conditions, which he navigated adeptly, particularly on the opening hole of the day. His resilience and skill on the 16th and 17th holes were highlights of his round, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
As the tournament progresses, Homa's performance suggests a potential shift in his major tournament outcomes, positioning him as a significant player to watch at this year's Masters.
Cover Image Credit: Thomas Lovelock/Augusta National
