American Jordan Spieth shot a first-round 64 to take a three-shot lead on day one of The Masters in Augusta this morning.
The 21-year-old sank no fewer than nine birdies in a dazzling opening-day performance to finish on eight-under-par, three strokes clear of the trailing pack.
England's Justin Rose is among those in a four-way tie for second after shooting a five-under 67.
The 2013 US Open champion holed six birdies in all, with a bogey at the 11th the only blemish on his card after day one.
Rose sits second alongside Australian Jason Day, American Charley Hoffman and South Africa's Ernie Els - a two-time runner-up here in 2000 and 2004.
Pre-tournament favourite Rory McIlroy endured a mixed first day, shooting a one-under 71 after filling his card with a modest three birdies and two bogeys.
Meanwhile, Tiger Woods announced his return to action after a two-month absence with a one-over 73 following an erratic front nine that saw a number of wayward tee shots undermine his round.
Woods, who bogeyed the first, fourth, ninth and 12th, managed to salvage something with a number of impressive bogeys to finish on 73, along with Lee Westwood.
Shane Callaghan
