The biggest stories from Day One at the Masters
Golf fans had longed to see it – the glorious surroundings of Augusta National in Georgia playing host to the first major of the year.
Dreams have been stunningly realised and heart-breakingly shattered on this course, and if Day One is anything to go by, 2019 won’t be any different.
Here are the biggest stories from the first day of the tournament:
Bryson birdie bonanza
Bryson DeChambeau sits in the clubhouse with a share of the lead through the first 18 holes, after four consecutive birdies on the final four holes (something no one has done for six years) propelled him up the leaderboard.
Koepka in the hunt once again
Brooks Koepka has started to cement his reputation as one of the most talented golfers in any given field, and his consistency at majors is a large part of that. With three under his belt already, can he win a Green Jacket for the first time this weekend?
Never, ever count out Phil Mickelson
I love watching Phil Mickelson. He’s aggressive, and plays like a man with an astonishing career in his rear-view mirror. Fearless. A great round sees him sitting at -5, well set up for a potential fourth Masters victory.
Problems for Spieth and Rose
Few would question the quality of Justin Rose and Jordan Spieth, but their showings on Day One left much to be desired. Both on +3, the pair are nine shots off the lead. Crazier things have happened, but don’t hold out hope to see them standing victorious on the 18th green come Sunday night.
Rory falters at the final hurdle
Rory McIlroy’s hopes of becoming only the sixth golfer of all time to win all four majors took a major dent as he bogeyed the final two holes to finish at +1. Nevertheless, a good round to that point ought to give the Irishman confidence going forward into the remainder of the weekend.
Tiger on the prowl
Finishing at -2, Tiger and his customary mass viewing gallery have a good chance of putting together a strong run in the 56 holes left to play. He’s already won a PGA Tour event since returning from back surgery, but will he get another major?
Fleetwood and Fowler remain hopeful of breaking duck
Golfing fans around the world love to see first-time winners, and perhaps Tommy Fleetwood and Rickie Fowler stand head and shoulders above the rest for the ones they’d love to see win their maiden majors. With Fowler at -2 and Fleetwood at -1, either of the pair has every chance of going the distance.
Ian, surely not
For the magnificent Ryder Cup competitor he is, we never really expect Ian Poulter to do much in the majors. But, two shots off the lead after Day One, Ian Poulter is starting to make us dream. If he managed to win it, you could hand out BBC Sports Personality of the Year in April and be done with it.
Reed looking unlikely to go back-to-back
Patrick Reed is seemingly going to miss out on winning the Masters in consecutive years, with the boisterous Texan sitting seven shots off the lead after a troublesome first round. I must reiterate again though, we’ve seen some odd things on these greens over the years…
The Angel of Doom
Golf fans fondly remember the Argentine’s victory at Augusta back in 2009, but it won’t be happening again this year. The 49-year-old shot a frankly dreadful round of 82 to finish +10. He’ll be cheered the whole way round tomorrow though, as a testament to the way the galleries remember the former champions.
