For much of the day the Round 1 leaderboard was as jam-packed as the eager patrons waiting for the Augusta National gates to open. As many as nine players were tied for the lead late in the afternoon.
Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka were in that group, but broke away with a flurry of birdies over the second nine. The young Americans each shot 5-under par 31s for first rounds scores of 66.
DeChambeau birdied six of his last eight holes including a near hole-in-one on 16, a chip in on 17, and a near eagle on 18 where his approach ricocheted off the flagstick before stopping 2 inches from the hole.
Koepka birdied 10, and then 12 through 15 before closing with three birdies for his 66.
Three-time winner of the green jacket, Phil Mickleson, trails by just one at 5-under par. The 48 year old closed with birdies on five of his last seven holes.
Dustin Johnson and Ian Poulter opened with 68, while five golfers – Justin Harding, Adam Scott, Jon Rahm, Kevin Kisner and Kiradech Aphibarnrat – shot 69.
Ten players shot 2-under 70s on Thursday, led by 4-time winner Tiger Woods.
Pre-tournament favorite Rory McIlroy opened with a disappointing 73.
Opening Ceremony
The tournament kicked off with the traditional Opening Ceremony Thursday morning. Legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, with 9 green jackets between them, were announced to their appreciative fans and got things going with ceremonial drives.
Honorary Starters Masters champion Gary Player of South Africa and Masters champion Jack Nicklaus greet each other after they both hit their tee shots on hole No. 1 during the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 11, 2019.
Looking Ahead
The weather was near-perfect on Thursday, with bright skies and relatively light winds. The next three days look less than promising, however, with a chance of rain and thunderstorms each day.
The majority of those near the lead got a late start on Thursday, meaning they’ll be in the early groupings for the second round. That will give them a chance to post a good score that could increase the pressure on the players with late Friday finishes. Some of those players will be trying to stay within view of the lead, while others will be trying to make the 36-hole cut.
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