At Augusta National, Justin Rose is making the most of Indian summer

The bloom of azaleas and magnolias at Augusta National Golf Club is a sight to behold, but a solitary Rose became the talking point after the opening round of the 89th Masters Tournament.

- Joy Chakravarty

AUGUSTA:

England's Justin Rose nearly lapped the field on the first day itself, opening a three-shot lead after a blistering romp on the hallowed grounds that resulted in eight birdies — three of them in the first three holes as he galloped off the gates — and a closing bogey on the 18th hole.

After winning at least one title every year from 2010 to 2019, including the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medal and the 2013 US Open, the 44-year-old world No. 39 is enjoying a revival in form. It started with a tied sixth finish at the PGA Championship last year, followed by a rousing tied second at the Open Championship at Royal Troon in treacherous weather.

Rose is calling it his 'Indian summer'.