The Masters Round 1: Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Brooks Koepka lead the way
- Planet Sport writer
- 7 April 2023
Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Brooks Koepka are tied at the top of the leaderboard on seven under after the opening round at Augusta National, with Rahm mounting an impressive fightback.
Rahm's bid for a second major title had got off to a shocking start, the former US Open champion four-putting from 30 feet on the first to card a damaging double-bogey six.
However, the world number three bounced back well to birdie the next two holes, picked up another shot on the seventh and then holed from just three feet for eagle on the eighth to reach three under.
LIV Golf tearaway Koepka had just one blemish - a bogey on the par five 13th - on his card that was littered with birdies.
Playing alongside Woods, Norway's Viktor Hovland was setting the early pace on five under thanks to an eagle on the second and birdies on the sixth, eighth and ninth to be out in 31.
Ireland's Shane Lowry was two shots behind Hovland after ending the front nine with three straight birdies, while Northern Irish amateur Matthew McClean had earlier enjoyed a dream start to his tournament debut.
The 29-year-old optometrist, who secured his place in the field by winning the US Mid-Amateur, birdied the first and fourth holes to briefly enjoy a two-shot lead before dropping back through the pack.
Rory McIlroy embraced the possibility of challenging conditions as he looked to play himself back into contention.
McIlroy, who needs to claim a coveted green jacket at Augusta National to complete a career grand slam, could only card an opening 72 on Thursday to lie seven shots off the lead.
Former champion Sandy Lyle's last event before retiring got off to an eventful start when he accidentally snapped a club attempting an escape shot from underneath a tree on the first.
The 1988 winner had made good contact and was unfortunate to see his ball hit a television cameraman, but at least managed to salvage a bogey.
American Kevin Na had struggled to a front nine of 40 before promptly withdrawing due to illness, leaving playing partner Mike Weir, the 2003 champion, to complete the round alone.
Honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson had officially got the 87th Masters under way in traditional fashion on Thursday morning.
The illustrious trio, with 11 Masters titles between them, hit tee shots on the opening hole before retiring to the clubhouse.
Watson, who was taking part in the ceremony for the second time, unusually teed his ball up with his right hand.
In reference to an accident in November which resulted in the 73-year-old undergoing shoulder surgery, he joked: "You don't drive go-karts at my age!"
