Follow all the action as The Masters gets underway in what promises to be a thrilling first major of the year, with Augusta’s greens exceedingly fast and firm after last November’s soft conditions.
Dustin Johnson is bidding to defend the Green Jacket after his record-breaking victory but arrives in somewhat questionable form. Meanwhile, after a disappointing previous outing, Bryson DeChambeau will once again rely on his gunslinging heroics to dismantle one of golf’s most revered courses.
Rory McIlroy has been out of form, too, but has been inspired by a recent visit to Tiger Woods’ home and remains desperate to complete the career Grand Slam. Justin Thomas is sure to be a threat, after a strong finish last year and a cathartic victory at the Players Championship. Jon Rahm has not been able to practice properly ahead of the tournament, owing to the birth of his first child, but has a great record at Augusta and warmed up brilliantly on Wednesday as he seeks to clinch the maiden major of his career.
Johnson was a popular winner last year, having grown up just an hour away from Augusta, however, it’s Jordan Spieth who will surely be the crowd’s favourite, with a limited number of spectators allowed through the gates. The past champion ended a four-year trophy drought last week at the Texas Valero Open and has been in terrific form for several weeks. The same can be said of Lee Westwood, who leads the English charge alongside Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton.
Follow live updates from day one at Augusta:
Read more:
- Who is going to win The Masters? Betting tips and tournament picks
- How to watch The Masters: Live stream and TV channel information
- Inside the mind of Bryson DeChambeau, golf’s polarising genius
- ‘Kind, generous and a loyal cat’: Meet the real Dustin Johnson
- Matt Fitzpatrick: ‘I can go there and win. That’s an amazing feeling’
