Augusta National: the world's most majestic course? – in pictures

The iconic Big Oak Tree in front of the clubhouse Photograph: Erik S. Lesser/EPA

Incase you want to follow the action here's a map and course card Photograph: Reuters

You've got to have a picture of blooming azaleas when you're talking about Augusta. Here are some in the foreground as spectators watch the action on the 16th green Photograph: Matt Slocum/AP

88-year-old Sanders Gray, from Columbia, SC, holds a course map while watching the first round. Gray is attending his 45th Masters Photograph: David Goldman/AP

A general view of Ike's Pond and the eighth (front) and ninth (back) greens Photograph: Tannen Maury/EPA

Matt Kuchar chips over Rae's Creek at the 13th Photograph: Darron Cummings/AP

Rory McIlroy tees off on the 17th Photograph: David J. Phillip/AP

Not only is there greenery at Augusta but wildlife too. Sergio Garcia tries to chase a turtle back into the pond on the 14th Photograph: David Goldman/AP

Tracks left by golf carts in the morning dew on the grass near the 18th hole Photograph: Erik S. Lesser/EPA

Looks like this chap may be catching up Sanders Gray's tally of 45 masters Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters

The 13th green Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Those greens don't get luscious on their own Photograph: Harry How/Getty Images

Wonder if the Richmond County sheriff is sitting in wait for whoever wrote the tag on the chair? Photograph: David Goldman/AP

Tiger Woods plays his tee shot on the 18th hole Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

Here's a close-up of an azalea in bloom Photograph: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

It's a misty morning in Augusta as honorary starter Jack Nicklaus tees off to start the first round of the 2013 Masters Tournament. The other honorary starters are Arnold Palmer and Gary Player Photograph: David Cannon/Getty Images

Tom Watson looks on from the first hole whilst in the background fans meander around the course Photograph: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Ryo Ishikawa of Japan hits his approach shot to the first green Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters

The trees look pretty but they also have a purpose, they're a hazard - as Charl Schwartzel finds out on the first fairway Photograph: Darron Cummings/AP

Mike Weir walks with his caddie Danny Sahk to the second hole Photograph: David J. Phillip/AP