With an enviable record at Augusta, Rose possesses the knowledge and expertise to finally get his hands on the Green Jacket.
The 44-year-old Englishman has secured two runners-up finishes, plus 14 others in the top 25, since making his debut in 2003.
While many thought his chance of adding to his 2013 US Open victory might have gone, Rose has given himself another opportunity as he bids to become the oldest first-time Masters champion since 41-year-old Mark O’Meara in 1998.
Rose made a rapid start with three birdies in the opening three holes, continuing to use his putter marvellously to sink three more in a row around the turn.
Further birdies on 15 and 16 secured the former world number one’s position as the first-round leader for a record fifth time – but he fell short of creating further history.
Two more birdies on the final two holes would have seen Rose become the first man to shoot 62 at Augusta National.
One birdie would have equalled the course record of 63 held jointly by Nick Price and Greg Norman.
Loose drives led to a par-bogey finish but it did not diminish a wonderful round which saw him post his joint lowest score at the Masters.
Rose looked totally relaxed as he headed off the course, smiling broadly as he slapped high-fives with the patrons congratulating him on a fantastic day’s work.
“It was a really good day’s golf on a course that was a stern test,” he said.
“If you look at the overall leaderboard, there are not many low scores out there.”
However, the veteran Englishman knows those errant tee-shots on 17 and 18 serve as a reminder of how quickly things can change at a major.
It was a lesson McIlroy endured once again at Augusta.
He was well placed on four under before an aggressive chip from off the back of the par-five 15th green ended in the water and led to a seven.
And McIlroy followed that with another double bogey on the par-four 17th, blotting what had previously been a consistent card where he had played with patience and maturity.
