The Masters 2023 has officially started following the traditional honorary tee shots from Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. The the first pairings to follow are at 8am EDT / 1pm BST.
There is much anticipation this year, even more than usual, as it is the first time the best players in the world have met to play against each other since the summer of 2022.
Scottie Scheffler is defending champion and he is in one of the later groups to tee off today alongside Max Homa and amateur Sam Bennett.
Rory McIlroy is out in the penultimate group of the day with Sam Burns and Tom Kim.
Jon Rahm is out a lot earlier, playing with Justin Thomas and Cameron Young at 10.42am EDT.
While Tiger Woods is with Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele a couple of groups before the Spaniard.
And with players from the PGA, LIV Golf, DP World Tour and other tours across the globe the play should be outstanding.
Keep up to date with everything happening at Augusta with our live updates below.
MASTERS 2023 LEADERBOARD
- Hovland -5
- Lowry -3
- Scott, Young, Reed, Schauffele, Meronk -2
- Garcia, Thomas, Smith, Power, Bradley -1
- Featured groups
- Woods (+2), Schauffele (-2), Hovland (-5)
- Rahm (E), Thomas (-1), Young (-2)
THURSDAY'S TEE OFF TIMES
So it's finally here! The most anticipated week in golf has arrived and we're set to get underway on Thursday 8:00 (EDT) / 13:00 BST.
Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson will start proceedings just before the first group with the traditional starting tee shots at 07:40/12:40. More then two thirds of the field are on course right now...
Here are the rest today's tee times EDT/GMT...
13:00/18:00 Brian Harman (US), Tyrrell Hatton (Eng), Joaquin Niemann (Chi)
13:12/18:12 Corey Conners (Can), Dustin Johnson (US), Justin Rose (Eng)
13:24/18:24 Matthew Fitzpatrick (Eng), Collin Morikawa (US), Will Zalatoris (US)
13:36/18:36 Max Homa (US), Sam Bennett (US)*, Scottie Scheffler (US)
13:48/18:48 Sam Burns (US), Tom Kim (Kor), Rory McIlroy (NI)
14:00/19:00 Tony Finau (US), Tommy Fleetwood (Eng), Jordan Spieth (US)
USEFUL LINKS
- The Masters 2023 Round 1 and 2 Tee Times
- Master Betting Picks and Predictions
- First Round Predictions for the 2023 Masters
- Masters Weather Forecast
- How to Watch The Masters
LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE
For much of the build up to The Masters 2023 it has felt more like a boxing match than that of the first golf Major of the year. Well we are nearly ready for the talking to stop and the action to begin.
WILL THE WEATHER PLAY BALL?
The weather... hmm... the weather... well it is fair to say that there will be some rain this year. We are hoping that any interruptions are short lived though. As you can see from the official forecast above, there is the chance of the odd shower and perhaps thunderstorm.
NOT ALL GLITZ AND GLAMOUR
Read about how our man in Augusta, Michael Weston, has had a complete shocker trying to get to The Masters for the first time... this will brighten your day up!
PICKED A WINNER YET?
Check out our Masters Betting Tips and Predictions - we may just have a winner in there for you!
NO LIV GOLFERS IN FEATURED GROUPS
There was news yesterday that there would be no LIV Golfers in the featured coverage on Thursday - Read the full story
Thursday Featured Groups Schedule (EDT)
10:18 a.m. Tiger Woods, Viktor Hovland, Xander Schauffele
10:42 a.m. Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, Cameron Young
1:36 p.m. Scottie Scheffler, Max Homa, Sam Bennett
2:00 p.m. Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood, Tony Finau
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
MASTERS FANTASY GOLF - SIGN UP TO THE GOLF MONTHLY LEAGUE
There is still time to sign up to the Golf Monthly Masters Fantasy League - sign up via this link https://2023.masters.com/en_US/fantasy/join.html?leagueId=5166&leagueJoinToken=0217c0b66d pick four players and see how well you do!
HOW DO THEY GET AUGUSTA LOOKING SO GOOD?
Augusta National provide details of the length of grass for different areas around the course. No excuses for not sorting out your back yard with similar lengths now!
How To Watch The Masters
If you don't have a ticket for Augusta this year, don't worry we have got you covered, this post will tell you all the details about How To Watch The Masters
One annual pre-Masters tradition completed, another soon to get underway
The Champions Dinner was held last night. Now next on the agenda is the Par 3 Contest. All being well with the weather, the Par 3 Contest will start in just under two hours.
The 2023 Champions Dinner portrait. #themasters pic.twitter.com/4cLriTv8sOApril 5, 2023
The start of those traditions
The Champions Dinner tradition dates from 1952; the Par 3 Contest from 1960. Ben Hogan hosted the first Masters Club Dinner (popularly known as the Champions Dinner). What is striking about the contents of this invitation sent to Clifford Roberts, is that it refers to him in the third party. Although the letters were typed individually, neither typist nor author seemed to think to change the wording for Roberts’ letter.
The tradition of the Champions Dinner started with a simple invitation. #themasters pic.twitter.com/A5kwhNeQ3pApril 4, 2023
What Scheff chose for dinner
The defending champion chooses the menu for the Masters Club dinner. This is what Scottie Scheffler chose. (Diners can also chose from the standard Augusta National menu if they prefer).
If you are wondering what cheeseburger sliders served Scottie-style are...
...this is what they looked like
Served in honor of Mr. Scottie Scheffler. #themasters pic.twitter.com/LaCYJLLtMpApril 5, 2023
Who can play in the Par 3 Contest?
Since 2017 it has only been past champions and that year’s Masters entrants who are eligible to enter the Par 3 Contest. Previously some club members and former top pros also played in it. But several of those playing in the Masters do not compete in the Par 3 Contest. For example, Tiger Woods in his prime years as a competitor did not. Nor did Jack Nicklaus.
Nicklaus has explained: “The reason that I didn't play a lot was that I think you play a practice round on Wednesday preparing yourself for a golf tournament. In the days when I was competitive and felt like I had a chance, I had so much energy focused on wanting to win that golf tournament that it was a distraction for me and nothing I wanted to do.”
Who is the defending Par-3 champion?
There were joint champions last year (as the weather put paid to an intended playoff) in Mackenzie Hughes and Mike Weir. Weir became the oldest first-time winner, at 51 years, 329 days. He beat the record set by 51-years-and-202-days-old Jerry Pate in 2005. However the oldest winner is Tom Watson, who was 68 when he won for the second time, in 2018.
Coming of age
Incidentally, on the matter of competitors of venerable vintage, the oldest was Paul Runyan who was 91 years and 267 days when he teed it up in 2000. The oldest competitor to break par was 82-year-old Gary Player in 2018. He shot 25.
Masters champion and Par 3 winner
The joint defending par 3 champion Mike Weir is one of a dozen golfers to have won both The Masters and the Par 3 Contest durng their career. He won the Green Jacket in 2003. The others are: Sam Snead, Art Wall, Arnold Palmer, Gay Brewer, Tom Watson, Tommy Aaron, Ben Crenshaw, Raymond Floyd, Vijay Singh, Sandy Lyle and Mark O’Meara.
Tales from this year’s Champions Dinner
Sir Nick Faldo has been on television talking about what went on and what he ate (for the menu see the 15.22 post). “Scottie’s got a friend who has his own tequila company,” explained Sir Nick, “so we had a lovely tequila cocktail to start. Then we had our photograph, then we all sat down." He chose the tortilla soup but “unfortunately one spoonful and I was done – it was way too spicy.” He had a medium rib eye steak as this main course. Sir Nick did not go for the sliders, but reports that "Jordan Spieth had three - how about that!"
There had been some conjecture of what the atmosphere might be, with some LIV golfers seated around the table, but Sir Nick had already tweeted that "it was all calm and cool." He reiterated on television that "everything was absolutely fine, everyone was chatting."
Half an hour to go!
The first competitive action of this year's Masters tournament starts in around 30 minutes when the first players in the Par 3 Contest will tee off. However live television coverage of it will only start two hours after that.
The original Par 3 course
It had always been intended to have more than 18 holes at Augusta National. But it took a while coming. Alister Mackenzie had designed two different par-3 layouts but neither got built. The club had little money to spare and Bobby Jones, one of the club’s two co-founders did not believe a par-3 course would be sensible use of of sparse financial resources, although co-founder Clifford Roberts, a banker, was said to be more positive to the idea.
But nearly three decades later, the club now on a much better financial footing, Jones wrote to Roberts: “I agree completely that the construction of this golf course will be an important contribution to the beauty of the place. The par three would give us a pretty complete golfing layout.”
When the decision to build the course was made, it was to a design drawn up by George Cobb in association with Cliff Roberts. Cobb had already worked for the club in making some changes to the main course. The design incorporated some of Mackenzie’s ideas, but the landscape had changed, including the increased size of the DeSoto Springs Pond. The course opened in autumn 1958.
In 1987 Tom Fazio added two new closing holes over Ike’s Pond, with the old first and second holes being dropped from the layout.
Changes to the Par 3 course for this year
The first five holes have been rerouted to move more holes adjacent to the reshaped DeSoto Springs Pond and to improve capacity and sightlines for patrons. The latter desire has also involved some trees being removed. A new type of bentgrass has been used on these first five greens, trialling it to see if it could be a better alternative for the main course greens, much in the way the Par 3 Course was sown with bentgrass in the late 1970s to test it out before the change was made from Bermuda grass on the main course in 1981.
First look at the renovated Par 3 course. #themasters pic.twitter.com/H8YyPCrOfXApril 1, 2023
Fountain of knowledge
Oh yes, another change is that the water fountain which used to be adjacent to the 1st tee on the Par 3 Course has been moved to the 7th tee, so as to be nearer the centre of the course, and has on it the names of all the Par 3 Contest winners.
1958 was a year of change at Augusta National
That year not only was Par 3 course built but the Nelson and Hogan Bridges were constructed and dedicated. It was also the year that Herbert Warren Wind, an American sports writer who had spells working for The New Yorker and Sports Illustrated, first used the term Amen Corner; also when Arnold Palmer won the first of his four Masters titles.
Par 3 Contest tee times and groups
What sort of a winning score can we expect in the Par 3 Contest?
History suggests somewhere between 19 and 24. In 2016 Jimmy Walker set the record by winning at eight under, three shots clear of the field. But Tommy Nakajima in 1988, Rocco Mediate, in 1991, and Sandy Lyle in 1998 all won at three under, the highest winners’ score. Twice the winner has shot 20; seven times 21; 26 times 22; and 21 times the winner scored 23.
That record round by Jimmy Walker in 2016
How he did it: he aced the 2nd hole, made birdies on 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7, and par on 5 and 9.
All competitors are tied still
The first group has played the 1st hole and each of three players made par.
Augusta’s par 3 course is not long
Okay, yes, that is obvious, but what I mean is that at Augusta the hole lengths range from 70 to 155 yards and total 1,055 yards. (By way of comparison, the par 3 course at my own club has hole lengths from 85 to 200 yards; the par-3 course where we played the most recent edition of our annual Boxing Day family golf competition, has holes ranging from 108 to 245 yards.)
This got me thinking as to what is a par 3 course and what is a pitch and putt? Is there an official delineation, Well yes there is, I have discovered from the rules of Pitch and Putt. They say that a Pitch and Putt course must have holes no more than 90m (98 yards) and the length of an 18-hole course must not exceed 1,200m, which by my reckoning means 656 yards for a nine holer.
Incidentally, other rules for Pitch and Putt include a maximum of three clubs (one of which must be a putter) and the obligatory use of a tee peg when teeing off.
Holy holes
This is a story I discovered when hunting around the internet for the rules of Pitch and Putt. In 16th-century England sport was banned on a Sunday and church attendance was compulsory. As a way to comply with these strictures, short golf courses were created in church grounds. According to the British Pitch and Putt Association “each hole measured 50-100 yards (45-90 metres) and the ball was hit at the target with one club.”
Par 3 winner and Masters champion simultaneously
It well known that the Par 3 Contest winner has never gone on to win that year’s Masters. Indeed, it has now almost become a self-fulfilling prophesy with players deliberately not wanting to win it, such as when Bernhard Langer hit repeated and deliberate shots into the water on 9 to make sure he did not.
However there has been one man who was simultaneously reigning Masters champion and Par 3 Contest winner. That is Tom Watson. He won the 1981 Masters, and then won the Par 3 Contest in 1982, so for four days he was the reigning champion in both.
Storm over a teacup
In 1961, in the second year of the Par 3 Contest, Deane Beman won. He was an amateur and the prize in those days was a sterling silver tea set.
After he won, PGA Tour Commissioner Joe Dey said to Cliff Roberts that there may be a problem because the sterling silver tea set was extremely valuable, and amateurs were not allowed to win prizes than were not of “symbolic value.”
After speaking with Dey, Roberts told Beman to leave behind the prize and that it would be sent on to him later. A month later, Beman received his prize, which by then had been engraved with his accomplishment, as that now made the tea set of “symbolic value.”
Early leaders
Svensson and Garcia are both on -3 with a hole to play, Fred Couples has moved to -2 after 4 holes to move into third position.
A QUESTION
Hi - Fergus Bisset here, taking over from Roderick Easdale... well played Sir. I'm starting with a question that I'll give you the answer to a little later... Three players have won The Masters on their first appearance in the tournament. Who are they?
FREDDIE IS FLYING
The 1992 Masters Champ Fred Couples has got off to a flyer in the par-3 tournament. He's 63 now but still has some game! Freddie had 11 top-10 finishes in The Masters, most recently in 2010.
GREAT NAMES TIED ON EVEN PAR
In the early stages of the par-3 contest, there are some excellent names tied for fourth on even par - former champions (the European greats of the 1980s and early 90s) - Sir Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle and Bernhard Langer are all level... Great stuff.
YOUNG KISNER
A little Kisner has the crowds applauding see below...
The patrons approve. #themasters pic.twitter.com/pPOhXc0zyFApril 5, 2023
THE ANSWER TO MY EARLY QUESTION
I asked - who are the only three players to have won The Masters on their debut?
The answer - Horton Smith who won the first Masters Tournament in 1934... although it wasn't called that - it was called the Augusta National Invitational Tournament... Gene Sarazen won in 1935 having not played in the inaugural tournament - he hit the "shot heard around the world in that event" - a hole-out albatross on the 15th. ... Most recently, the only other player to win on debut was Fuzzy Zoeller who took the title in 1979. He came through a three-man playoff with Ed Sneed and Tom Watson...
WHO'S GOING TO WIN?
This is my chance to put a shout out for who's going to win this year's Masters... I kind of hope it might be Kurt Kitayama, as I drew him in the golf club sweep at my place... But I doubt it to be honest. I can't see past Scottie Scheffler. He's just so solid... Speaking of solid, I also have a sneaky feeling Collin Morikawa could get another Major this week... I could list about 10 more, but I'll leave it at those two.
WILLETT GOES CLOSE...
Nearly Danny boy...
Past champion Danny Willett with the closest shot of the day on No. 9. #themasters pic.twitter.com/UHtFAEcBAVApril 5, 2023
ORIGINS OF THE PAR 3
Clifford Roberts was Augusta chairman from 1931 to 1976 and of the Masters from 1934 to 1976. A Wall Street banker, Roberts worked tirelessly behind the scenes to create and protect the image of the club and the annual tournament it hosted.
In the planning of Augusta National, Roberts wanted to include a short course in addition to the main track. Jones was less enthused by the idea though it was the club’s fragile, post-depression, finances that dictated the plan was shelved.
The project was only shelved though and, in 1958, Roberts hired course architect George Cobb to build nine par 3 holes around two ponds close to the clubhouse. For Roberts, renowned as a perfectionist, this short course was an essential component of the club and something he felt had been omitted from the original designs.
In 1960, Roberts announced a par-3 contest around the short course on the Wednesday afternoon prior to The Masters. “He was always looking for ways to give spectators value,” said David Owens, author of a book about Roberts. The fact the chairman stipulated the main course would be closed for practice at 2.30 was a clear indication of his intentions.
“It meant he wanted us to play in the par 3 contest, and we did,” said Gary Player.
The Masters par-3 competition was born.
THE JINX
George Bayer who won the par 3 in 1963 fell dramatically from grace with an 84 in the third round of the tournament and Joe Durant finished dead last with rounds of 87 and 79 after winning on the short course in 1999.
Par 3 winners have also lost The Masters in dramatic fashion – Raymond Floyd led by four shots with six to play in 1990 before losing to Nick Faldo and Ben Crenshaw lost a 54-hole lead in 1987.
Will today's winner break that jinx?
A NICE PUTT...
From a small Bradley...
A perfect roll. #themasters pic.twitter.com/fDFpcCmQQRApril 5, 2023
THREE BRITISH GREATS
They finished the par 3 comp - Lyle and Faldo Even, Woosnam +3
KISNER GOING CLOSE...
This one was pretty close:
As close as it gets from Kevin Kisner. #themasters pic.twitter.com/Sl9kLThRVoApril 5, 2023
WOULD YOU WIN IT?
We've spoken about the famous old jinx that no player has won the par-3 and gone on to win the tournament proper. What do you reckon you would do, if a favourite for the main event, you found yourself five-under through 7 on the par-3... Would you keep pushing and win, believing it's all a bit silly and any win's a win? Or would you dunk a couple in the water just to take that risk out of the equation? I reckon I'd try and win them both... but that's the beauty of a very hypothetical situation.
A COOL PIC TO BE IN...
Check out this line up...
The 2023 Champions Dinner portrait. #themasters pic.twitter.com/4cLriTv8sOApril 5, 2023
GARY WOODLAND'S SON...
Support team (above) - making absolutely certain he doesn't win the par-3 and risk the jinx. Well played!
RORY FOR THE CAREER GRAND SLAM?
Could Rory become just the sixth player ever to achieve the career grand slam? Yes, is the answer - He just needs the putts to go in at the right times... Fingers are crossed here at least.
I watched Rory live at Augusta when he had a great chance to win in 2011 and his poor last round was tough to watch. I followed him from the 1st to the 9th and knew early on that he was up against it. He was playing with Angel Cabrera on the Sunday and the notorious Argentinian was on top intimidating form. Rory played through the back of the green on the 1st and elected to putt from the fringe. He's such a good chipper that I think it was the wrong choice. Angel went and watched him play his shot and stood very much too close for comfort to the young Northern Irishman. Rory should have stopped and said - could you move a little please. But he didn't - he definitely noticed Cabrera but he kept his head down and played on. He didn't get up and down and that set the tone for the day... He's 12 years older now - He wouldn't make that mistake again... He'd be saying "Hey, Angel - Could you step back a little please."
This could be Rory's year... Every year could... But this one really could....
HOLE IN ONE
Seamus Power has had the first one on the 8th
First hole-in-one today! #themasterspic.twitter.com/y1uknTyQtdApril 5, 2023
AND ONE FOR BUBBA
Get in there...
🚨🎯 2x Masters Champion Bubba Watson with an ACE #TheMasters pic.twitter.com/C2dKDbhvscApril 5, 2023
KIDS
It's become cool to have your kids play shots for you in the par-3 competition. I think that's a bit of a cop-out. These guys should be good enough to play their own shots by now surely...
FALDO ON FOOD
Not Floyd on Food... Not even Ray Floyd on food but Faldo on Food.. I think it may be one degree too far...
🚨🎯 2x Masters Champion Bubba Watson with an ACE #TheMasters pic.twitter.com/C2dKDbhvscApril 5, 2023
BACK TO BACK ACES@
Seamus Power has actually just done it... This is the second:
Seamus Power just played 2 holes in the par 3 contest in 2 shots. Back to back aces. G’wan lad!! 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/RQINVo4WlzApril 5, 2023
AND SCHEFFLER...
They're going in from everywhere...
Slam dunk Scottie style. Hole in one on No. 9! #themasters pic.twitter.com/SR5y7m2R4RApril 5, 2023
ACES
It's great to see all the holes in one during the par 3 tournament and Seamus Power making back to back ones is pretty special. It's made me think about the best hole in one story every - from Hunstanton in Norfolk... Robert Taylor playing the Eastern Counties foursomes in 1974 he made three holes-in-one at the 189 yard 16th at Hunstanton in three rounds on three consecutive days. He used six iron twice and a one-iron for the other - those coastal winds play havoc! Still... what a story..
THE AESTHETICS OF AUGUSTA
Just like the big course at Augusta, the setting of the par 3 layout is fantastic. Surrounded by towering pines, azalea’s and dogwoods, the holes play across DeSoto Springs pond and Ike’s pond – named after President Dwight Eisenhower, an Augusta member and close friend of Clifford Roberts who regularly fished there. It’s a peaceful and hidden oasis, one you wouldn’t know existed unless told. But, when the spectators pile in on Wednesday afternoon, it becomes a bustling, lively and colourful amphitheatre with cheers ringing out as wedge shots pepper the flags and threaten the cup - as we've seen today!
NOT THE GREATEST START FOR SHANE
He's dunked it in the water on the 1st. That could rule out any problem with the jinx from the word go. He's playing with Rory and Tommy Fleetwood. Rory has birdied the 1st... He might want to rein it in a little!
THE BLACK KNIGHT UNDERWAY
Gary Player has hit his first tee shot.... Bit long... Come on Gary...
ANOTHER ACE - ONE FOR HOGE
How many is that now? 5?
Hole in one on No. 8 for Tom Hoge! #themasters pic.twitter.com/hRtnFkPMfYApril 5, 2023
SANDY'S LAST MASTERS
Sandy Lyle has been talking about the emotions of playing in his final Masters - He and Larry Mize are both playing for the last time this year and both spoke about their experiences at the Champions Dinner last night... Sandy still reckons (even age 65) that he might have a chance of making the cut... Hmm. Here he is in his prime - see below:
Do you reckon this one goes in? I reckon it does...
A BIRDIE FOR PLAYER
Gary Player has bounced back from a disappointing bogey on the 1st with a birdie on the 2nd - Not bad for an 87 year old.
LOOKS HOT IN AUGUSTA... BUT
It's rather toasty in Augusta today - there's some significant beading on some of the main competitors as they stop in the shade for interviews... But things could change dramatically over the weekend - it's something around 30 degrees C today, but it could drop to the low teens with rain over the weekend... It will be very interesting to see which players deal best with those testing conditions. If those with links experience are in the mix with two rounds to play, they could have an advantage.
HOGE HITS THE FRONT
Tom Hoge is in the lead now having shot a 6-under 21.... Well I had a few quid on him so I might as well rip up that betting slip...
BACKSPIN FOR AN OCTOGENARIAN
Player just spun it back 6 feet on the 4th. How many 87-year-olds could do that? I reckon not many.
RADAR ON A FOOD HUNT
Golf Monthly columnist Wayne Riley has been talking of the very reasonably priced food options at Augusta National:
Radar takes us through the FAMOUS Master's concessions 🤤🥪 pic.twitter.com/Vgbd7cxzlZApril 5, 2023
FINISHING WITH A QUESTION
I started my stint and, before I hand over to Ed Carruthers, I'll finish with a question too... This one - Name the Masters champions who have a Z in their name? There are 6.
THE ANSWER
The six are - Fuzzy Zoeller, Jose Maria Olazabal, Charl Schwartzel, Zach Johnson, Larry Mize and Gene Sarazen
Now over to Ed... You're in good hands.
GOOD EVENING!
Good evening everyone and thank you Fergus, fantastic work tonight! You've have left me scratching my head with that last question, but I think I managed two! What an excellent bit of trivia and hopefully you all managed more than me!
Right Ed Carruthers here to take you into the evening and the final few groups on the course. It's been a crazy afternoon on the Par 3 with plenty of players scoring slam dunks, but let's take a quick recap of the leaderboard as it stands...
THE PAR 3 AS IT STANDS
Things look to be taking place quite nicely now with Tom Hoge still sitting top of the leader board after that stunning ace earlier at the eighth. One to watch is Rory McIlroy at the bottom of the list here, thru eighth and two-under, let's hope he can finish strong!
1 HOGE (F) - 6
T2 WATSON, B (F) -5
T2 KITAYAMA (F) - 5
T4 KIM, S (F) - 4
T4 MOORE (F) -4
T6 CARR (Thru F) -3
T6 SVENSSON (F) -3
T6 COUPLES (F) -3
T6 Carr (F) -3
T6 FOX (F) -3
T10 Ancer (F) -2
T10 Mcilroy -2 THRU 8
GARY PLAYER IS LOVING THE ATMOSPHERE HERE!
Gary Player has just nearly chipped in on the 7th hole! He's lapping up the atmosphere on the golf course running down the fairway fist bumping the fans!
PLENTY OF ACTION TO COME
While the leaderboard is looking pretty locked up at the top order, there's still plenty of action to come, with Jordan Spieth, Max Homa and Justin Thomas all finding the island green on the 7th.
Kevin Kisner, Jason Kokrak and Brooks Koepka are all still on the course too.
While Rory McIlroy is about to finish up on the ninth!
'IT'S SO UNIQUE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE MEMORIES LIKE THIS': FLEETWOOD AND MCILROY REFLECT ON THE DAY
So that's it for Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy on the Par 3. Tommy finishes -3 while Rory comes in at -1.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the pair have been reflecting on what has been an awesome day all round.
Tommy Fleetwood - 'It's a special day it's so unique and to be able to make memories like this and have a fun time at an event like this is so unique.'
Rory McIlroy - 'No this is a lot of fun. Frankie and Poppy and Iris and Ivy have gotten to know eachother pretty well and they're having a great time and we're enjoying it too.'
IS THAT A HAPPY GILMORE PUTT?
PRECISION POWER: SEAMUS POWER HAS HIS SAY ON HIS BACK-TO-BACK ACES.
Well, talk about finishing your prep for the Masters in style! Seamus Power struck two aces this afternoon and has given us his verdict on his two stunning hole outs, the 15th and 16th he's hit in his career!
Power: "It's a dream come true. Obviously to get one was special, but to get the second one was a bit surreal. It was an absolute blast out there.
"I hit a sand wedge on 8. Probably landed 30 feet behind it and spun back, and it was looking like it was going to be close, and it dropped in, and similar on 9, I slightly pulled it and it kicked to the right and spun back in, so yeah, very lucky obviously. Great.
"It's obviously such a special tradition here on a Wednesday. Being able to share it with my brother out there, that was probably the best part. Yeah, I don't know whether it carries into tomorrow, but it's certainly a lifelong memory that I'll treasure for a long time."
If you've not seen the shots, be sure to check them out below!
The first ACE of the Par 3 Competition from Seamus Power! ⚡ pic.twitter.com/GoEKVtMGzeApril 5, 2023
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!! Seamus Power's second ace IN A ROW!!! pic.twitter.com/0vnUK75VQzApril 5, 2023
GARY PLAYER FINISHES -3
Gary Player has lit up this golf course this afternoon, running to each hole, chatting and jesting with the patrons.
He'll finish up his round three-under par after a fantastic round of golf. Pure class.
'THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM': FINAU READY FOR TOMORROW
Tony Finau has wrapped up his round and sounds like he's had an epic day on the course. Of course, this is the anniversary of when he famously dislocated his ankle celebrating a hole-in-one on the Par 3. But Finau miraculously went on to finish T10 during the tournament!
Reflecting on the day he said: "Of all the traditions at the masters this one is definitely my favourite."
But he was excited for the next few days, saying: "Right now it's the calm before the storm."
Soo Tony Finau just hit a hole-in-one & proceeded to dislocate his ankle then pop it back in. #Masters pic.twitter.com/40To2CBjnZApril 4, 2018
'IT'S ALL ABOUT MANAGING MY EMOTIONS': JUSTIN THOMAS ON THE MASTERS
Two-time major champion Justin Thomas has just finished his round shooting one-under par. He finished eighth in the leaderboard last year at Augusta, but has been speaking on his confidence coming into the weekend with Sky Sports.
"It's just all of it its such a grind the however many days you're spending to prepare and its nice to come out here and unwind," Thomas said on playing the Par 3 tournament.
"It's a lot of fun, the crowd the atmosphere and playing with your buddies. It's just fun."
Speaking on what's coming the next four days, Thomas gave an insight into what the next 24 hours will look like for him, as he gears up for the tournament.
"It's business," he said. "You go home get some rest gets some food. You know everyone who gets here on Wednesday is ready to go.
"At the end of the day it's just golf like any other golf tournament."
Thomas, who claimed the PGA Championship last year for the second time in his career has been in fine form of late, finishing T10 at the Valspar Championship last week.
Speaking on his confidence coming into the event the 2021 Ryder Cup winner wasn't giving too much away but admitted things are going in the 'right direction'.
"It's getting there," he said. "I feel like I'm going in the right direction. But for me at a place like this it's all about managing my emotions."
TOM HOGE WINS THE PAR 3 COMPETITION
So that's our final group in! And Tom Hoge will join an illustrious list of names that includes the likes of Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead.
It follows his STUNNING hole-in-one on the eighth earlier today, and if you've not seen it yet, make sure to check it out below!
Hole in one on No. 8 for Tom Hoge! #themasters pic.twitter.com/hRtnFkPMfYApril 5, 2023
NO PLAYER HAS WON THE MASTERS AND THE PAR 3 IN THE SAME YEAR
As Tom Hoge walks away with the crystal chalice, it's worth noting that no player has won the Par 3 tournament and the Masters in the same year.
Raymond Floyd came the closest in 1990 where he was involved in a playoff with Nick Faldo but was beaten!
Of the many golfers who have won the Par 3 tournament, only Ben Crenshaw and Vijay Singh won the masters after winning the Par 3 contest.
'RORY IS THE MAN TO BEAT': BUTCH HARMON
Butch Harmon has been giving his verdict on the upcoming week and thinks Rory McIlroy is the man to beat.
"I think Rory has grown up a lot he’s really matured as a golfer and I think he’s ready to win," He told Sky Sports.
"For me Rory is the man you have to beat this week. I think its his time I think he’d be a great champion."
While McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm are the favourites to win this week, Butch was also looking to Tommy Fleetwood as someone who can play well this week.
Harmon admitted that he'd been working with the Englishman recently and said his natural swing is suited to the golf course.
"Outside the radar I'd give you Tommy Fleetwood, he said. "He is playing beautifully. He’s a natural drawer of the ball which helps you a lot here."
MCILROY FEELING GOOD HEADING INTO THE WEEK
Rory McIlroy stands in good stead this week to complete his career grand slam at the Masters, a trophy that has evaded him for some time now, but his recent form says that he is in perhaps the best shape to finally win a green jacket.
Even Butch Harmon has been saying that Rory is his favourite, considering how much his golf has matured in recent years.
But following an excellent day on the Par 3, McIlroy says has said he's ready for the upcoming week.
"I'm feeling good about the week. It's sort of going into what - you know, the feelings, the emotions, and everything are going to be for tomorrow, to sort of have this [the Par 3 tournament] leading into it is really nice.
"It's been very relaxed, fun with the family. A really nice way to chill out before the real stuff begins."
And the action is set to get underway tomorrow with McIlroy teeing off alongside Tom Kim and Sam Burns at 18:48 (GMT)/ 13:48 (ET/USA).
ONCE AGAIN YOUR PAR 3 CHAMPION - TOM HOGE!
2023 Par 3 Contest champion: Tom Hoge #themasters pic.twitter.com/bS0aIMtF2wApril 5, 2023
SO... HAPPY MASTERS EVE EVERYONE!
We're nearly there and boy are we excited. But there is plenty to talk about in the run up to the tournament! Let's firstly recap on the groups going out tomorrow and take a look at some of the key groupings we're most excited for tomorrow!
Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson are set to be the honorary starters tomorrow ahead of the first group of Kevin Na and Mike Weir, who will get us underway at 13:00 (GMT) / 8:00 (ET).
Here are tomorrow's tee times for UK viewers...
13:00 Kevin Na (US), Mike Weir (Can)
13:12 Vijay Singh (Fij), Scott Stallings (US), Matthew McClean (NI)*
13:24 Talor Gooch (US), Jason Kokrak (US), Sandy Lyle (Sco)
13:36 Fred Couples (US), Russell Henley (US), Alexander Noren (Swe)
13:48 Kevin Kisner (US), Adrian Meronk (Pol), Louis Oosthuizen (SA)
14:00 Min-Woo Lee (Aus), Larry Mize (US), Harrison Crowe (Aus)*
14:12 Sergio Garcia (Spa), Kazuki Higa (Jpn), Keith Mitchell (US)
14:24 Patrick Reed (US), Adam Svensson (Can), Sahith Theegala (US)
14:36 Mackenzie Hughes (Can), Shane Lowry (Ire), Thomas Pieters (Bel)
14:48 Seamus Power (Ire), Bubba Watson (US), Mateo Fernandez (Arg)*
15:06 Abraham Ancer (Mex), Keegan Bradley (US), Chris Kirk (US)
15:18 Viktor Hovland (Nor), Xander Schauffele (US), Tiger Woods (US)
15:30 Patrick Cantlay (US), Kurt Kitayama (US), Adam Scott (Aus)
15:42 Jon Rahm (Spa), Justin Thomas (US), Cameron Young (US)
15:54 Sung-Jae Im (Kor), Hideki Matsuyama (Jpn), Cameron Smith (Aus)
16:06 Cameron Champ (US), Jose Maria Olazabal (Spa)
16:18 Taylor Moore (US), Charl Schwartzel (SA), Aldrich Potgieter (SA)*
16:30 Bryson DeChambeau (US), Francesco Molinari (Ita), JT Poston (US)
16:42 Bernhard Langer (Ger), Guillermo Mito Pereira (Chi), Ben Carr (US)*
16:54 Brooks Koepka (US), Danny Willett (Eng), Gary Woodland (US)
17:12 Kyoung-Hoon Lee (Kor), Sepp Straka (Aut), Harold Varner III (US)
17:24 Tom Hoge (US), Si-Woo Kim (Kor), Phil Mickelson (US)
17:36 Harris English (US), Ryan Fox (NZ), Billy Horschel (US)
17:48 Jason Day (Aus), Zach Johnson (US), Gordon Sargent (US)*
18:00 Brian Harman (US), Tyrrell Hatton (Eng), Joaquin Niemann (Chi)
18:12 Corey Conners (Can), Dustin Johnson (US), Justin Rose (Eng)
18:24 Matthew Fitzpatrick (Eng), Collin Morikawa (US), Will Zalatoris (US)
18:36 Max Homa (US), Sam Bennett (US)*, Scottie Scheffler (US)
18:48 Sam Burns (US), Tom Kim (Kor), Rory McIlroy (NI)
19:00 Tony Finau (US), Tommy Fleetwood (Eng), Jordan Spieth (US)
TWO GROUPS TO LOOK OUT FOR TOMORROW
It's very hard to pick what groups to follow tomorrow, there's so much quality on show! But I've been through the tee off times and I've picked out a few of the groups I'm most excited to see in action and why. Check out two of my top picks below!
15:18 Viktor Hovland (Nor), Xander Schauffele (US), Tiger Woods (US)
We're all very excited to see Tiger back at Augusta national. Having been listening to Butch Harmon earlier today, it sounds like the 15-time major winner has been swinging the club 'beautifully in preparation for this week. I'm also very excited to see how Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele get on tomorrow. Both are two young players who are on the cusp of winning their first major championship. Hovland finished T3 at the Players Championship last month, while Schauffele took McIlroy the distance in a nail-biting quarter-final at the WGC Dell Technologies Match Play two weeks ago. This is set to be a big group.
15:30 Patrick Cantlay (US), Kurt Kitayama (US), Adam Scott (Aus)
Fresh from his first win on the PGA Tour at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Kurt Kitayama flew into the Par 3 tournament earlier today finishing T2 in the leaderboard. He is an awesome striker of the golf ball and will no doubt be high in confidence this week. Paired with two players who need no introduction, Patrick Cantlay and Adam Scott, there is bags of quality on show in this group, so if you're wanting to watch some top-class skills on show then this is a group you should certainly be following.
Amen Corner awaits. #themasters pic.twitter.com/7lHMNQD7M4April 5, 2023
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT AI GOLF COMMENTARY?
Artificial Intelligence seems to be a big talking point around the world at the moment, but it's been making its way into golf at this year's Master's tournament in the commentary booth.
Yes that's right, programmers from IBM Watson have designed an AI system that will run commentary for golfers on the course.
But the system, which was showcased on Twitter earlier today, has been getting some flack on social media.
Find out more about why here: 'That’s Hideous' - Social Media Slams New AI Commentary On Masters App
We got a sneak peek at the Masters app’s new AI commentary, which’ll be live this week.@IBMWatson has trained a language model to learn golf and deliver insights in real time like an announcer would. Here’s an example of what it’ll sound like. pic.twitter.com/Epij5RcvseApril 5, 2023
BACK TO MY TOP GROUPS FOR TOMORROW...
Here's a couple more of the top groups I'm keeping my eyes on tomorrow and why!
14:48 Seamus Power (Ire), Bubba Watson (US), Mateo Fernandez (Arg)*
After back-to-back aces today on the Par 3, Seamus Power should certainly be on a high tomorrow, as should returning champion Bubba Watson, who also slam-dunked on the practice round today. Both are known for pulling off some simply stunning golf shots and I think it could be a very good year for Power, with the Irisman's putting having been on fire this season. Meanwhile, Mateo Fernandez has won twice already on the Amateur Championship circuit this season. He'll no doubt be high in confidence coming into tomorrow.
15:42 Jon Rahm (Spa), Justin Thomas (US), Cameron Young (US)
This is a big group and I think one to certainly keep an eye on with Jon Rahm certainly being a favourite to win this weekend. I also think both Justin Thomas stands a very good chance of claiming a green jacket this weekend. After winning the PGA Championship last year, Thomas has three top-ten finishes on the PGA Tour this season, placing T10 at the Valspar Championship last week.
He is always one to watch at Augusta, and his stats are also looking great at the moment too, being 1st on the Tour for shots gained around the greens. Cameron Young, meanwhile, had a great round two weeks ago at the WGC Dell Technologies Matchplay, reaching the final but just falling short to Sam Burns. What'll really put Young in good stead this week though is his power off the tee. He is second for driving distances on the PGA Tour at the moment and is not a bad approach player either.
19:00 Tony Finau (US), Tommy Fleetwood (Eng), Jordan Spieth (US)
Perhaps my pick of the day is one of the last groups to go out. Obviously, as an Evertonian myself I will be watching fellow Blue Tommy Fleetwood, but I think you should too, because as Butch Harmon said earlier, he could be a real dark horse this week. Fleetwood has been playing out of his skin recently and only narrowly missed out a few weeks ago on his first PGA Tour win at the Valspar Championship. Jordan Spieth finished level with him at the Valspar, but has also been in top form this year managing three top-10 finishes already in 2023. Meanwhile, Tony Finau's brilliance from a variety of lies, as well as being No 1 on the PGA Tour for scrambling makes him one of the most exciting players to watch. Plus with a win under his belt already this year he'll be be riding high on confidence this week!
CHECK OUT RORY MCILROY'S LIMITED EDITION NIKE SHOES
McIlroy is sporting some very fancy new shoes this week and if I'm honest I'd certainly love to cop a pair myself!
He's wearing a pair of Nike Golf Air Zoom Victory Tour 3 NRG Shoes which come in a special green and yellow colorway for the Masters.
You can snag yourself a pair at the links below, or alternatively, why not check out our Masters' merch buying guide for some more excellent options on Masters-themed golf gear!
Check out Our favorite Masters-themed golf gear that'll get you in the swing for the first Major of the year
ITS BEEN AN ACE OF A DAY...
So as we gear up for tomorrow let's just flick back at some of the stunning hole in ones that were scored today, including Seamus Power's back-to-back aces.
Here's a couple of videos of some of the big shots incase you missed any!
Power and Precision: Seamus Power shoots back-to-back aces on the Par 3
Seamus Power with the first hole-in-one of #themasters Par 3 contest! pic.twitter.com/e4OE3rPagbApril 5, 2023
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!! Seamus Power's second ace IN A ROW!!! pic.twitter.com/0vnUK75VQzApril 5, 2023
Scheffler Slam dunks!
Scottie Scheffler dunked in a hole-in-one at #TheMasters pic.twitter.com/TeBov32zlJApril 5, 2023
Bubba goes big!
An excellent ace for Bubba Watson. #themasters pic.twitter.com/YnPHddUjnOApril 5, 2023
And Tom Hoge holes out before winning the Par 3!
Hole in one on No. 8 for Tom Hoge! #themasters pic.twitter.com/hRtnFkPMfYApril 5, 2023
T-MINUS 13 HOURS TO GO!
It's been a pleasure guiding you through the closing hours of the Par 3 tournament this evening.
The action is set to kick off tomorrow in approximately 13 hours, but we'll be back before then to tee things up ahead of the commencement of the tournament.
The first tee time tomorrow is scheduled for 8:00 (EDT) / 13:00 (BST) with Kevin Na and Mike Weir teeing off as the opening group and its set to be a warm, yet, overcast day in Georgia tomorrow, with rain expected on Friday.
For now though, I'll leave you with a couple of our favourite photos from today at the Masters.
Thanks for tuning in and we'll catch you again tomorrow!
MASTERS MORNING!
Good morning all! It has felt like a long time coming, but it is finally day 1 of the first Major of the year!
PAR-3 WRAP UP
Tom Hoge won the Par-3 Contest held on Wednesday with a score of six-under-par 21.
Five holes-in-one were recorded by four players, including Tom Hoge (No. 8), Seamus Power (Nos. 8 and 9), Scottie Scheffler (No. 9) and Bubba Watson (No. 4), which marks 107 total holes-in-one made since the inception of the Par 3 Contest in 1960.
Power is the third player with consecutive holes in one in the Par 3 Contest, joining Claude Harmon (1968) and Toshi Izawa (2002).
WHAT IS THE WEATHER OUTLOOK?
After the high temps of Wednesday, it looks like the tournament will be impacted by rain and colder weather as it progresses. Hopefully the rain doesn't impact the first couple of days of play too much. The biggest issue today could be early morning fog, which may delay proceedings for a little while.
WHO WILL WIN?
Check out some of our expert betting staff picks for this year's first Major.
HONORARY STARTERS
On Thursday, April 6, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson will serve as the Honorary Starters for the 2023 Masters Tournament.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7:40 amEDT/12.40pm BST. on the 1st tee.
Nicklaus, Player and Watson combined are the winners of 11 Masters Tournaments and have made 140 Tournament appearances.
The custom of having Honorary Starters began in 1963 with Jock Hutchison (1963-1973) and Fred McLeod (1963-1976) performing the duties. Byron Nelson (1981-2001, non-consecutive), Gene Sarazen (1981-1999), Ken Venturi (1983), Sam Snead (1984-2002), Arnold Palmer (2007-2016), Nicklaus (2010-present), Player (2012-present), Lee Elder (2021) and Watson (2022-present) have continued the tradition.
HOW TO WATCH THE MASTERS
The TV coverage of the Masters is always a little frustrating, as some of the action is hidden away, although with the Masters app and website now showing more shots than ever you can follow the action very closely. We have collated all the information you need in our How To Watch The Masters article.
WELL WORTH ANOTHER LOOK
Every hole in one from the Par 3 Contest including a remarkable two from the same golfer. #themasters pic.twitter.com/7RbXXfIk5gApril 6, 2023
If you haven't seen it already, Seamus Power's holes in one are worth another look - the video above has all the holes in one from Wednesday.
ARE YOU EXCITED?!
A colleague of mine (Senior Staff Writer Sam Tremlett), just messaged me saying he cannot express how excited he is for today to begin. This is the start of four of the best days of the year and he intends to watch every single minute of it! (He also claimed he woke up at 5.30 GMT because he is so excited). The first tee off time isn't for hours so that was utterly pointless...
GOLF MONTHLY FANTASY REMINDER
There is still time to sign up to the Golf Monthly Masters Fantasy League - sign up via this link https://2023.masters.com/en_US/fantasy/join.html?leagueId=5166&leagueJoinToken=0217c0b66d - pick four players and see how well you do!
Oh and Sam has just messaged again saying people need to be more adventurous with their Fantasy picks. Sure, one of Scheffler, Rahm or Rory are probably going to win it, but let's think outside the box people!
MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS
Off the back of that last update Sam has decided to be totally transparent with his Fantasy picks which is a bold strategy Cotton, let's see if it pays off for him (extra points to whoever gets that movie reference).
He has gone for Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Tony Finau and Patrick Cantlay.
TWO CAN PLAY THAT GAME
My fantasy picks are Scheffler, Rahm, McIlroy and Schauffele (boring yes I know)
10 Things You Can't Do At Augusta National
1. NO PHONES
There's a complete ban on phones and other electronic devices on the property at Augusta National Golf Club
2. NO RUNNING
You’re not allowed to run at Augusta National, which leads to quite an amusing scene when the gates open each day as 'patrons' power-walk to their viewing positions.
3. CHAIR POLICY
You’re not allowed to take anyone’s fold-up chair, even if it’s been unattended for hours, so the patrons rush to their favourite spot at the start of each day to lay down their marker.
4. NO SITTING ON THE GRASS
You’re not permitted to sit down on the grass when watching The Masters. If you want to sit down, use a chair.
5. NO SUNBATHING
And similarly with sitting on the grass, you obviously can't lay down on the hallowed turf and take in some rays. That is strictly prohibited.
6. BRANDED GOODS
Don’t think about bringing overtly branded goods to Augusta National as you won’t be allowed to take them on the property. At The Masters, you won't find many branded logos other than The Masters and Augusta National logos themselves.
7. NO TIPPING
No tipping is allowed at Augusta National – a rule that dates back to the days of co-founder Clifford Roberts, who didn’t want members to be treated differently based on how much they tipped.
8. NO COOLERS
The same goes for coolers or containers of any kind - not permitted. Food and drink is very affordable at The Masters, and it's great, so why would you want to bring your own? The iconic pimento cheese sandwich costs just $1.50.
9. SHOES ON
In term of attire, you must wear shoes at all times on and around the course at Augusta National – bare feet are not acceptable.
10. CAPS
Caps cannot be worn backwards whilst on the property.
BREAKING: The DP World Tour has won its legal battle against LIV Golf.
BREAKING: The DP World Tour has won its legal battle against LIV Golf.pic.twitter.com/xsROF1nlS4April 6, 2023
DP World Tour Wins Legal Battle Against LIV Golf
THURSDAY FEATURED GROUP SCHEDULE
10:18 EDT / 15:18 BST Tiger Woods, Viktor Hovland, Xander Schauffele
10:42 EDT /15:42 BST Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, Cameron Young
13:36 EDT / 18:36 BST Scottie Scheffler, Max Homa, Sam Bennett
14:00 EDT / 19:00 Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood, Tony Finau
These groups will get the most TV coverage for the start of the day.
ONE HOUR UNTIL THE HONORARY STARTERS ARE ON THE TEE
7.40am EDT/12.40pm BST for the first action of the year.
"TIGER IS GOING TO SURPRISE A LOT OF PEOPLE"
Not my words but that of Butch Harmon. Read the full story
MY CONNECTION TO HARMON
I can't say that I have much in common with Butch Harmon, but I do have one connection, when I was lucky enough to play at Augusta National in 2018 - I was given the locker that shared the name of his father Claude Harmon and Tom Watson... not a bad couple of names!
WHAT WOULD A 18-HANDICAPPER SHOOT AT AUGUSTA?
If you haven't read the story we posted earlier this week about how well the Golf Monthly team has played when given the privilege of playing at Augusta National - check out the full story - you will find out the troubles I had!
ROUND ONE WEATHER FORECAST
It's looking like a great day for round one here at The Masters with highs of 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Will we see some low scores?
ROUND ONE PIN POSITIONS
Hole locations for the first round of the Tournament. #themasters pic.twitter.com/aYHzgSkoXnApril 6, 2023
10 MINUTES UNTIL THE HONORARY TEE SHOTS
It is not long now until Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson get us underway for The Masters 2023.
THE 2023 MASTERS IS OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY
The 2023 Masters tournament has officially started following the honorary tee shots from Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.
WATCH THE HONORARY TEE SHOTS HERE
The Honorary Starters, a tradition dating to 1963, is available to stream below. #themasters https://t.co/REzoA3sUbuApril 6, 2023
HOW DO YOU THINK TIGER WILL DO THIS WEEK?
Check out what Tigers former coach, Butch Harmon, had to say
Where do you think Tiger Woods will finish at this year's #themasters? https://t.co/sFVxiQ47hOApril 6, 2023
FIRST GROUP IS UNDERWAY
Mike Weir and Kevin Na kick start their Masters tournament both having missed the Green In Regulation. Will they save par?
MIKE WEIR SAVES PAR
After missing the 1st fairway and not hitting the Green In regulation, Mike Weir gathers himself together and put together an incredible up-and-down to save par.
AMATEUR MATTHEW McCLEAN OFF TO A FLYING START
The first amateur to tee it up at Augusta, Matthew McClean, is leading by example after posting an easy birdie on hole one. After finding the FIR he stuck his approach to about a foot. - Easy game right?
KEVIN NA BOUNCE BACK BIRDIE
After a double bogey to start off his Masters tournament, Na was able to bounce back with a birdie on the par 5 second.
SANDY LYLE MAKING HIS 42ND MASTERS APPEARANCE
Sandy Lyle has tee'd it up at Augusta for his 42nd appearance at The Masters. With a bogey on the opening hole can he claim one back against such a monster of a course?
McCLEAN STICKS IT CLOSE ON HOLE 2
Amateur McClean has put another shot with birdie range. Will he sink it and move -2 through two?
MATTHEW McCLEAN (A) REMAINS AT TOP SPOT
The amateur continues to hold on to an early lead at the 2023 masters tournament following his par on the par 5 second.
WHAT HAPPENED TO SANDY LYLE ON THE 1ST HOLE
An eventful start for Sandy Lyle on the opening hole at Augusta
Eventful start for Sandy Lyle in his 42nd and final @TheMasters, pushing tee shot at 1st into trees. From under a low trunk, he played left-handed second shot that didn't find fairway as it hit a cameraman and also resulted in his club snapping but made a great 5@ScotsmanSport pic.twitter.com/UHnpgX0SnbApril 6, 2023
McCLEAN EXTENDS HIS LEAD
Matthew McClean is taking full advantage of the conditions at Augusta National moving to -2 after a birdie on the par 3 4th hole.
IT'S HARD WORK FROM START TO FINISH AT THE MASTERS
Hole No. 1 | Tea Olive | Par 4 | 445 yardsHole No. 1 requires precision from tee to green. With bunkers on the right side of the fairway and a front left green-side bunker that was added in 1951, competitors face difficulty from the very start of the round. #themasters pic.twitter.com/85iV7ojsBVApril 6, 2023
NA MOVES TO +4
Kevin Na moves to +4 after back-to-back bogey's on holes 5 & 6. Have you checked out our article on why you can't rule out LIV players this week?
DROP SHOT FOR THE AMATEUR
McClean drops one shot back as Stallings, Henley and Kisner claim one against the course.
IT'S A 4-WAY TIE AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE
Five holes in and there is a four-way tie at 1 under between McClean (A), Stallings, Henley and Kisner.
MIN WOO LEE JOINS THE LEADERS AT 1 UNDER
Min Woo Lee is off to a quick start after a birdie at the par 5 second and joins the leaders at -1.
OOSTHUIZEN AND MERONK MOVE TO -1
Everyones favourite South African Louis Oosthuizen joins the leaders at -1 after a birdie at the short par 4, third hole. Playing partner Meronk follows suit.
MIKE WEIR FINDS A TOUCH OF MAGIC LATE INTO THE FRONT 9
Deep into the front nine and Mike Weir has broken his par-run with a birdie on the 8th hole.
FIVE THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND THIS THURSDAY ROUND AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL
Five things to note for Masters Thursday. #themastersApril 6, 2023
HENLEY STICKS IT CLOSE ON THE PAR 3 6TH
Henley has set himself up with a great look at birdie on the par 3 6th. The crowd gasping as his tee-shot just missed the hole.
Leaders still at one under
While a few players have reached two-under par early this morning, one-under is still the current lead. There's currently eight players on that score including former champ Mike Weir, who is furthest through his round on the 10th hole.
Tiger Out In 10
T-minus 10 minutes people! Get near your TV screens - or preferably continue to follow Golf Monthly's extensive coverage online - as Tiger Woods is about to tee off.
Chaotic start for Sandy
In his final-ever tournament, Sandy Lyle has got off to a fairly chaotic start, snapping his club on the second hole. He's birdied the 8th hole though to recover from his adventurous beginnings.
Woods, Hovland, Schauffele Underway
Tiger finds the fairway down the first with a beautiful baby fade. In his group, Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele also both find the fairway.
Hovland - who wears J Lindeberg apparel - is wearing one of the bolder shirts of the day. I'll follow up with some photos, I think I like it...
Kevin Na Withdraws Through injury
Kevin Na has just had to withdraw from the Masters through injury. He was four-over par early on and was seen limping on his last few holes. We'll follow up with more info when we get it.
Opening pars for Woods, Hovland & Schauffele
A trio of two-putt pars for our featured group this morning. That will have no doubt settled some nerves.
Mike Weir now playing on his own
With Kevin Na's withdrawal, Mike Weir is now playing on his own out in front. He's just hit the new 13th tee after birdieing the 12th.
Meronk edges into the lead
Finally, someone gets to two-under par! It's the Pole Adrian Meronk who has stuck his head above the group at one-under par, which has five members.
Thomas, Rahm, Young Tee Off
Our other featured group of the morning consists of Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm and Cameron Young. All three find the fairway on their opening shots
Garcia under par
2017 champion Sergio Garcia has had a steady start. After a birdie at the 6th, he's one-under for his round. LIV Golf nonsense aside, it's nice to see him playing at a proper event again.
Hovland Eagles
What a start for Viktor Hovland! A huge drive on the 2nd left him with a 5-iron into the green and he converted the putt for an early eagle. Next to him, it's a birdie for Xander and a par for Tiger.
Cam Young opens with a birdie
A confident start for Cam Young, who has a new caddie on the bag this week. There's now eleven players at one-under par with Meronk and Hovland tied for the lead at two-under.
Rahm opens with a double
On the other end of the spectrum, and out playing with Young, Jon Rahm has opened with a double bogey. What a messy start from an early favourite!
Woods bogey
A messy third hole leads to Tiger's first bogey of the day. After hitting the fairway, he missed the green from less than 100 yards out and couldn't get up and down for his par. Uncharacteristic from Woods.
Weir One Under
Mike Weir, who as we discussed earlier is now playing on his own after Kevin Na's withdrawal, has just got it to one-under par. The 2004 champ is rolling back the years this morning.
Hovland looking sharp
A sizeable par putt goes in with pace for Hovland - he's looking in good touch this morning. Next to him, Tiger makes par and Xander birdies to tie the lead.
In the group behind, Thomas, Rahm and Young all make birdies.
Adam Scott joins the lead
Hello, Adam. Back to back birdies on the 2nd and 3rd have propelled Adam Scott into a tie for the lead. Young, Hovland and Schauffele and now tied for the lead.
Sergio Garcia Ties The Lead
Sergio! The leaderboard is looking rather congested now at the top, and Sergio Garcia has just joined the group at two-under par. The wind is down, it's warm and the scoring is solid so far this morning.
Cam Young Birdies First Three Holes
Imperious start from the American who is the first player to three-under par today. Alongside him, Justin Thomas has just joined the group at two-under par and Rahm has balanced the books after a four putt at the 1st.
Another Woods Bogey
This time, it's a short-ish putt missed on the 5th that has cost Tiger Woods a shot. Not the start he was looking for this morning.
Past Champions Thriving
Another past champion who's started quickly this morning is Patrick Reed, who has joined the congested group at two-under par. Reed, Garcia and Scott are all tied for second place early on this morning.
Hovland Ties The Lead
A birdie two on the 6th for Hovland gets him tied with Cam Young at the top. He got a great read from Schauffele, who putted just before him, and confidently knocked in yet another putt with good pace. Positive signs for Viktor.
Lowry joins the pile on
It's a birdie that was very nearly an eagle for Shane Lowry. It was a long, snaking putt on the 8th hole that had a little look in before sneaking by. It's a tap-in birdie nonetheless and Lowry joins the ever-growing group at two-under.
Tiger Bogeys...Again
Not going well at all for Tiger Woods this morning, he simply can't get anything going. He's barely had a look at birdie and a bogey on the 7th drops him to +3 for the day.
Lowry Joins The Lead
Three in a row for Shane to join the lead. Behind him Young has bogeyed to drop out of that tie, so it's Hovland and Lowry at the top for now.
Weather Update
The sun is out and it's around 90°...for now. Storms are in the area near Augusta National and they could hit at any time. Fingers crossed it stays away for today.
Leaderboard
As things stand with around two thirds of the field out on course, here's out leaders:
-3 Lowry, Hovland
-2 Reed, Scott, Young
-1 Smith, Matsuyama, Thomas, Schauffele, Bradley, Power, Garcia, Meronk, Stallings
Hovland Continues His Charge
Hold that thought, we've got our first man at four-under and it had to be Viktor Hovland. The way he's played this morning, I'd be surprised if he doesn't hold the clubhouse lead by the end of the day.
Birdie For Tiger
His first of the day! It comes at the par-5 8th hole and he's followed it up with a driver down the middle of the fairway on the 9th. Tiger's back to +2 for the day.
Hovland's In The Groove
This has become a Hovland-fest this morning. Sitting at four-under and one shot in the lead, he's just stiffed a 9-iron to a few feet on the 9th hole. He'll surely be five-under in a few moments time.
Schauffele Converts
Alongisde Hovland today, Xander Schauffele has converted a birdie on the 9th to move to two-under par. That's 34 shots out for Xander who is going along nicely in Hovland's shadow.
Tiger Woods, also in this group, is out in 38 - two-over par.
