The Masters Day 1: Rahm, Hovland and Koepka off to a stormer at Augusta

That magical feeling which Augusta courses in the veins of all players and fans has returned, as the first day has been completed. It has been an incredibly high standard of golf on day 1, which will appear to be the kindest day in terms of weather this weekend.

Viktor Hovland was the most impressive as everyone completed the first eighteen holes, as he performed some spectacularly aggressive golf on his way to posting a bogey-free round of 65. The Norwegian may have had an impressive eagle on the 2nd hole, but his most impressive shot came in his par save at the 10th, where a tricky, bold up-and down set up an easy putt.

John Rahm was delighted with his overall game after matching Hovland at -7, particularly after a double bogey following a four-putt on the 1st. He went on to go -9 for the rest of the round. It was a remarkable show of adversity from one of the world’s best, and he is undoubtedly an early favourite.

Brooks Koepka has been fairly anonymous in majors since 2019, but flew the LIV flag high today. After a difficult couple of years, which was well documented in ‘Full Swing’, it is a pleasure to see Koepka reaching his former glory.

Just behind is runner-up of the recent match-play, Cameron Young and Jason Day on -5. Scottie Scheffler was silently consistent as he posted -4 along with Shane Lowry, who will be a contender if the conditions worsen. Xander Schaufelle, Adam Scott, amateur Sam Bennett and Sam Burns are also on -4. Here is the top the leader board after the first day:

(Via The Masters, apologies for lack of quality)

Rory McIlroy will not be utterly satisfied with his score of even, and his all round game was not in sync today. He is certainly the favourite after his impressive driving and putting performances in the match play a fortnight ago. He has some making up to do over the next two days if he wishes to complete the grand slam.

It was a somewhat expected performance from Tiger Woods on the first day. Of course, a crowd favourite around Augusta but +2 is about right based on the amount of golf he has played recently. He struggled to read the greens and made a host of mistakes but made a range of birdies and bogeys. He can certainly still make the cut but there will always be questions on that right leg.

Unfortunately, Will Zalatoris had to withdraw before even hitting a golf ball after sustaining a back injury.

Jordan Speith was at his inconsistent best, as he hit a host of birdies, bogeys and a double bogey on 13th. His golf was entertaining and sometimes superb, but it was not exactly a dream round for the 2015 winner.

With weather in bound tomorrow, there could be the beginning of the shape up. Tomorrow’s coverage will be focused on the cut and the advances at the top end. Who can place themselves one step closer to the green jacket?