Justin Rose is making a habit of this.
He's the best first-round golfer in Masters history, by one measurement. But that might not be his favorite thing, because at least up until now, Rose has never won the green jacket.
The 44-year old Englishman posted a 7-under 65 on Thursday, tying his career-low round in the tournament, to take a lead to Friday.
This is now the fifth time that Rose has held or shared the 18-hold lead at the Masters, a new tournament record.
It's also the seventh time he's held the lead after any round of the Masters, the most by any golfer who hasn't won the tournament.
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Rose has come close twice.
In 2017, he lost in a playoff to Sergio Garcia. And in 2015, he placed second, although well off the pace, to Jordan Spieth.
Rose started his round in blistering fashion. He birded Nos. 1, 2 and 3. Then he put another trio of birdies up on Nos. 8, 9 and 10.
He went on to birdie 15 and 16 before his only blemish came with a bogey on No. 189.
Rose should sleep soundly Thursday night, but he may be restless if he considers the task of trying to stay in control that has eluded him in the past.
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