Scottie Scheffler begins his pursuit of a third green jacket with a 68 at the Masters

The first round of the Masters at Augusta National proved to be a promising start for defending champion Scottie Scheffler. Just a few weeks ago, Scheffler was feeling unsure about his game, but he quickly put those doubts to rest with a bogey-free 68 on Thursday.

Scheffler’s round was filled with impressive moments, including two long birdie putts and some clutch saves from bunkers. His ability to navigate the challenging Augusta National course with precision and skill put him in contention early on in the tournament.

One of the standout moments of Scheffler’s round came at the par-3 fourth hole, where he sunk a 62-foot putt across a treacherous green. This birdie, along with others throughout the day, helped Scheffler finish the round at 4-under and firmly in the mix for the title.

Despite not having any wins this season leading up to the Masters, Scheffler’s game has been trending in the right direction. He recently finished second at the Houston Open with a final-round 63 and used his time wisely to prepare for the Masters.

One potential obstacle for Scheffler was a hand injury he sustained in December, which delayed the start of his season. However, he showed no signs of any lingering issues during his impressive opening round at Augusta National.

Scheffler’s strong start is a positive sign for his chances of defending his title. History has shown that a good start at Augusta National can set the tone for the rest of the tournament, and Scheffler’s track record of starting strong in previous years bodes well for his chances of success.

As Scheffler looks to become the youngest player with three green jackets since Jack Nicklaus in 1966, his performance in the opening round of the Masters has put him on the right path. With a solid game plan and a confident approach, Scheffler is poised to make a run at another Masters title.

Overall, Scheffler’s performance in the first round of the Masters was a testament to his skill and determination on the course. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Scheffler as he looks to continue his impressive start and make a push for another green jacket.