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The Masters 2025 Day One LIVE: Leaderboard and updates as world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa start fast

Proper news from Britain - News from Britain you won’t find anywhere else. Not the tosh the big media force-feed you every day!

Follow Mail Sport's live blog for the latest updates and leaderboard from Day One of the Masters 2025 at Augusta National Golf Course. 

More issues for Rahm-bo!

Topsy-turvy day for the Spanish LIV Golf star, who bogeyed, then birdied, and has now bogeyed again on the par-three fourth. He sits +1 for the day.

Here's one man who won't be at Augusta this week...

Anyone else?

(If you're reading this, I'd guess it might apply to you too...)

Some new leaders

Plenty of movement at the top of the leaderboard, with Corey Conners and Justin Rose joining Tyrrell Hatton on -4.

Conners is back in the clubhouse now, birdieing 15, 17 and 18 to lift himself atop the standings right at the end of his round. He'll sleep well tonight.

McIlroy on the 5th

A lot of interest in Rory this week, and he's just teeing off on the 5th, currently one-under-par and T12 on the leaderboard in the early stages.

It's an excellent drive, straight down the middle, and a big round of applause from the patrons for the Northern Irishman.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10:  Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland tees off on the 3rd hole during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

Some big-name strugglers

A big leaderboard for the first two days of the tournament, so understandable if you've missed a few of the more famous names so far.

Right now, there's some heavy hitters that are struggling, including...

T45: Brooks Koepka, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm (+1)

T61: Phil Mickelson, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson (+2)

T73: Danny Willett, Robert MacIntyre (+3)

T82: Billy Horschel (+4)

And say a prayer for Nick Dunlap, who's currently out on the 16th, and six shots adrift at the bottom of the leaderboard on +13.

Augusta views

What. A. Place. Just a few pics, with no further caption needed.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 09: A general view on the seventh green during the Par Three Contest prior to the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 10, 2025 Scottie Scheffler of the U.S. looks for the ball of Justin Thomas of the U.S. on the 13th hole during the first round REUTERS/Mike Blake
Players work on the sixth hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Rahm bogey!

Not a great start from the 2023 champion, who has just bogeyed the par-five second.

Moment of the day?

Heck, maybe even moment of the week... just take a look at this from the legendary Freddie Couples on 14.

Have you seen what Sergio Garcia is wearing???

The former Masters champion returned to the site of his only major victory looking to make an impression.

Well, the LIV Golf rebel would not look out of place on the pitch for his home country's national football team.

This is... a choice...

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Sergio Garcia of Spain walks on the second green during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

MASTERS LEADERBOARD UPDATE AT 2:00PM

Well, this just got very interesting.

In the past half hour:

- Collin Morikawa hit eagle on 13

- Fred Couples hit eagle on 14

- Corey Conners, Jason Day, and Max Greyserman have all climbed into the top five

Tyrrell Hatton

Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose

Aaron Rai, Corey Conners, Max Greyserman, Jason Day

Michael Kim (F), Davis Thompson (F), Fred Couples, Harris English, Stephan Jaeger, Patrick Reed, Joaquin Niemann, Min Woo Lee, Bubba Watson, Denny McCarthy, Sergio Garcia, Matt Fitzpatrick, Akshay Bhatia, Bryson DeChambeau

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Patrons walk across the seventh hole during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

A CHANGE AT THE TOP OF THE LEADERBOARD

Englishman Tyrrell Hatton is leading the Masters as there's plenty of shaking up going on below him.

Full leaderboard update in 5 minutes...

The final group is teeing off

The last group of golfers set to start their tournaments are hitting their first shots now.

Sahith Theegala, Sepp Straka, and Sam Burns are now all driving as the first round starts the process of winding down.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10:  Ludvig Aberg of Sweden tees off on the 1st hole during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

The leaders have more company!

A wonderful eagle on the final hole at Amen Corner sees another addition to the leaderboard: Collin Morikawa.

The former major winner has had a relatively silent day, scoring par on each hole with the exception of a single birdie on the eighth.

But now with this eagle on 13 - the first of any golfer on this hole today - he shoots up into the lead.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Collin Morikawa of the United States plays his shot from the fourth tee during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Another Brit moves toward the top!

Much like Jaeger, Laurie Canter got in on the final criteria before special invites.

But now the Bath native and former LIV Golf rebel is in the top five

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Laurie Canter of England reacts on the fourth tee during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Masters champion Jon Rahm tees off

The Spanish LIV rebel gets his tournament underway with a solid shot.

He's joined by Wyndham Clark and Tommy Fleetwood in the final featured grouping of the day.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 09: Jon Rahm of Spain interacts with his son, Kepa Rahm, during the Par Three Contest prior to the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

MASTERS LEADERBOARD UPDATE AT 1:30PM

This's what's goin on at Augusta:

Scottie Scheffler, Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose

Joaquin Niemann, Laurie Canter

Michael Kim (F), Davis Thompson, Aaron Rai, Fred Couples, Harris English, Stephan Jaeger, Corey Conners, Patrick Reed, Max Greyserman, Collin Morikawa, Min Woo Lee, Jason Day, Rafael Campos, Bubba Watson, Tom Hoge, Matt McCarty, Denny McCarthy, Max Homa, Sergio Garcia, Daniel Berger

Groups Teeing Off Next:

1:34pm - Jon Rahm, Wyndham Clark, Tommy Fleetwood

1:45pm - Sahith Theegala, Sepp Straka, Sam Burns

Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 10, 2025  General view of the scoreboard during the first round REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

The first groups have wrapped up their days

The first group who played today is in the clubhouse. Davis Riley finished one-over while playing partner Patton Kizzire shot a horrid seven-over.

Other golfers who have finished: Joe Highsmith and Kevin Yu (+4), Chris Kirk, Mike Weir and Jhonattan Vegas (+3), Cameron Young and Zach Johnson (even par), and Michael Kim (-1)

But Thursday was an absolute roller coaster for Nicolai Hojgaard.

I could tell you what his scores were but... idk y'all, just look at this scorecard.

Rory's pairing tees off!

McIlroy gets off to a great start with a drive that goes deep.

He's paired with Ludvig Aberg and Akshay Bhatia.

All three of them find the fairway for solid starts to their afternoon.

WE HAVE A NEW LEADER

Well, leaderS

Jaeger ends his Amen Corner run with a treacherous double bogey on 13 to drop two strokes and down into a tie for fourth.

So now, it's Scottie Scheffler, Tyrrell Hatton, and Justin Rose with a share of the lead.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Scottie Scheffler of the United States interacts with his caddie Ted Scott on the fifth hole during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Justin Rose of England smiles with his caddie Mark Fulcher on the first green during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
epa12023014 Tyrrell Hatton of England on the third green during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA, 10 April 2025.  EPA/ERIK S. LESSER

Here's your five minute warning for Rory

Alamy Live News. 3AHEWFM Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a practice round at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 9, 2025, ahead of the Masters Tournament starting the following day. (Kyodo)==Kyodo Photo via Credit: Newscom/Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.

MASTERS LEADERBOARD UPDATE AT 1:00PM

Get ready for three high-profile groupings to tee off in quick succession on the first hole! But before they get going, this is how the field looks right now:

Stephan Jaeger

Scottie Scheffler, Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose

Harris English, Joaquin Niemann, Jordan Spieth, Laurie Canter, Matt McCarty, Max Homa

Groups Teeing Off Next:

1:01pm - Adam Scott, Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland

1:12pm - Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Aberg, Akshay Bhatia

1:23pm - Hideki Matsuyama, Bryson DeChambeau, Shane Lowry

epaselect epa12022703 Patron Preston Wilkerson of Tennesse, USA on the first green during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA, 10 April 2025.  EPA/ERIK S. LESSER

And now another Englishman joins the party in second...

Hi there Justin Rose!

The former US Open champion cards three straight birdies on the opening three holes to shoot straight to second place.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Justin Rose of England walks on the first green during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Scheffler has company in second place...

Tyrrell Hatton, the High Wycombe native and LIV Golf rebel, birdies the eighth to bump himself up to a tie for second place.

Tyrrell Hatton, of England, lines up a putt on the second hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

A jam-packed afternoon lies ahead

Some big names are set to tee off over the course of the next hour, so be sure to stay here to keep in touch with all the action

Scottie Scheffler Solo Second

The reigning green jacket holder drops in a birdie on the eighth hole as he moves into solo second place at three-under.

He'll look to finish up a flawless front nine.

Scottie Scheffler watches his tee shot on the sixth hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

MASTERS LEADERBOARD UPDATE AT 12:30PM

Rai has dropped further back, giving Jaeger about as comfortable a lead as you could expect at this stage of the Masters.

Stephan Jaeger

Joaquin Niemann, Scottie Scheffler, Tyrrell Hatton, Brian Campbell, Matt McCarty

Michael Kim, Harris English, Brian Harman, Corey Conners, Max Greyserman, Collin Morikawa, Min Woo Lee, Jordan Spieth, Cam Davis, Laurie Canter, Bubba Watson, Tom Hoge, Denny McCarthy, Justin Rose

Groups Teeing Off Next:

12:33pm - Patrick Cantlay, Rasmus Hojgaard, Matt Fitzpatrick

12:50pm - Brooks Koepka, Russell Henley, Sungjae Im

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Collin Morikawa of the United States plays his second shot on the fifth hole during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

First featured group wraps up first nine

Joaquin Niemann leads his playing partners - carding three birdies and a bogey to sit tied for second at two-under.

Meanwhile, Collin Morikawa and Min Woo Lee both sit tied at one-under.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10:  Min Woo Lee of Australia tees off on the 4th hole during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

Jaeger stands alone at the top

Aaron Rai opens up his trip to Amen Corner with a bogey on 11 - moving the German into the solo lead for the round

Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 10, 2025  Germany's Stephan Jaeger hits his tee shot on the 2nd hole during the first round REUTERS/Mike Blake

A glimpse at the staff bags

The Masters being around means that special edition items are made to go along with the springtime theme.

Photos here capture the bags used by TaylorMade and Callaway golfers - including some of the head covers for clubs.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: A detailed view of a golf bag on the first green during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: A detailed view of a golf bag on the first green during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

From Augusta... to Anfield

To celebrate the start of the Masters, a handful of Liverpool players tested their short game out at their training facility.

Watch to see who sank their shots and who needs to take some lessons!

MASTERS LEADERBOARD UPDATE AT NOON

We have some new competition at the top as Aaron Rai now shares the lead!

Aaron Rai, Stephan Jaeger

Joaquin Niemann, Scottie Scheffler, Tyrrell Hatton

Chris Kirk, Bernhard Langer, Will Zalatoris, JT Poston, Fred Couples, Harris English, Brian Harman, Corey Conners, Max Greyserman, Jordan Spieth, Maverick McNealy, Rafael Campos, Cam Davis, Laurie Canter, Brian Campbell, Matt McCarty

Groups teeing off next:

12:11pm - Dustin Johnson, Nick Taylor, Justin Hastings (a)

12:22pm - Sergio Garcia, Lucas Glover, Daniel Berger

epa12022877 Patrons make their way on to the golf course after the gates open during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA, 10 April 2025.  EPA/ERIK S. LESSER

The eye-popping price of concessions at Augusta National

Food is incredibly cheap at The Masters - with the most expensive item setting you back just $6.

Here's a more in-depth look at the offerings (including a brand new item) and their prices from DailyMail.com's Dan Matthews.

Hungry yet?

It's almost noon here on the East Coast, which means it's almost time for lunch.

The Masters' concessions are notoriously low-priced and the options available look delicious.

AMATEUR UPDATE

After a hot start, Noah Kent has struggled as he's now made the turn. His birdies on holes 3 and 4 were negated by bogeys on 7 and 8. Now, on his first hole of the second nine, he's carded a double bogey.

The nerves of the moment - and with playing alongside Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas - may be getting to Jose Luis Ballester (pictured below). Through five holes, he's at five-over having bogeyed the first and third and carding a double bogey on five.

The current low amateur is Evan Beck, but he's through one hole and he already bogeyed that one.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10:  Amateur Jose Luis Ballester of Spain tees off on the 4th hole during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

MASTERS LEADERBOARD UPDATE AT 11:30AM

There's still a bunched up pack at one under (with some new additions) but there now appears to be a breakaway group.

Stephan Jaeger

Joaquin Niemann, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Tyrrell Hatton

Michael Kim, Chris Kirk, Bernhard Langer, JT Poston, Harris English, Brian Harman, Robert MacIntyre, Tony Finau, Maverick McNealy, Rafael Campos, Austin Eckroat

Groups teeing off next:

11:38am - Tom Hoge, Matt McCarty, Christiaan Bezuidenhout

11:49am - Charl Schwartzel, Denny McCarthy, Hiroshi Tai (a)

12:00 - Max Homa, Justin Rose, JJ Spaun

epa12022912 Fred Couples of the US (R) putts off the third green as Harris English of the US (L) looks on during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA, 10 April 2025.  EPA/ERIK S. LESSER

Watch Scottie drain this putt from WAYYY DOWNTOWN on the fourth

This looooooooooooooong putt sunk for a birdie sees the reigning champion move up to a tie for 3rd at Augusta National.

A former Masters champion is rocketing up the leaderboard

Well, welcome back Jordan Spieth!

The 2015 Masters winner birdied the first and third holes to move up into a tie for third early in the day.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Jordan Spieth of the United States reacts on the first hole during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Inside Rory McIlroy's shocking divorce U-Turn ahead of Augusta return

It's about two hours until Rory McIlroy tees off in his return to Augusta National.

Last year was an emotional one for the Irishman after the announcement of his divorce, which was then called off after a month.

DailyMail.com takes you inside the stunning change of heart.

Rai's back in the solo lead!

The Englishman is through eight holes and is still flawless at a score of four-under.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Aaron Rai of England prepares on the fourth tee during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Add another man at the top!

German Stephan Jaeger, who got into the field in the final criteria besides a special invitation (top-50 in the OWGR on March 31, 2025) is now tied for the lead.

He's playing in just his second Masters ever!

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Stephan Jaeger of Germany plays his second shot on the fifth hole during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

MASTERS LEADERBOARD UPDATE AT 11:00AM

The first groups are already making their way through Amen Corner as about half the field has teed off.

Aaron Rai, Joaquin Niemann

Chris Kirk, Stephan Jaeger

Michael Kim, Zach Johnson, Davis Thompson, Bernhard Langer, Brian Harman, Byeong Hun An, Robert MacIntyre, Keegan Bradley, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Tyrrell Hatton

Rai shares the top of the leaderboard with a LIV rebel...

Through four holes, Chilean golfer Joaquin Niemann has outshone the other partners in his 'featured' group.

While Morikawa and Min Woo Lee sit at even par, Niemann has birdied the first, second and fourth holes to now move into a share of the lead.

Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 10, 2025  Chile's Joaquin Niemann lines up his putt on the green on the 2nd hole during the first round REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Just in case you want to know all the tee times for today...

Here's a full rundown of all the pairings and timings for Thursday's Opening Round

We have a new solo leader!

Wolverhampton native Aaron Rai has sole lead of the Masters and is the first golfer to get to three-under this tournament.

He's been blemish free so far this round, carding birdies on holes 2, 3, and now 7 to take the lead

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Aaron Rai of England acknowledges the crowd on the first green during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Never been to Augusta, Georgia? This is what the city really looks like

We've heard multiple references on the broadcasts to 'beautiful' Augusta, Georgia.

Well that may be true for the well-manicured, highly-refined private golf club. But the streets of the city paint a different picture.

Read more here from DailyMail.com's Isabel Baldwin, who visited 'The Garden City' ahead of its biggest event.

MASTERS LEADERBOARD UPDATE AT 10:30AM

We've got eight golfers at the top of the pile here as about a third of the field has posted scores.

Jhonattan Vegas, Chris Kirk, Aaron Rai, Stephan Jaeger, Joaquin Niemann

Nicolai Hojgaard, Michael Kim, Zach Johnson, Noah Kent, Bernhard Langer, Corey Conners, Byeong Hun An, Max Greyserman, Robert MacIntyre

Most in the second featured group find the green

Thomas has a nice punch shot from off the right bunker to get to the putting surface.

Scheffler pures his shot and lands it closer to the pin than Thomas from his better lie.

Meanwhile, Ballester's second shot avoids an overhanging tree to land on the green... only to just roll off.

The reigning champion has teed off!

Scottie Scheffler is off and running at the Masters as he hopes to defend his green jacket.

As for his playing partners, Justin Thomas hit his shot off to the right and US Amateur winner Jose Luis Ballester found the fairway.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 9:  Scottie Scheffler of the United States reacts with his son Bennett during the Par Three Contest prior to the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

The leading amateur had a rough night's sleep at the famous Crow's Nest

Noah Kent, currently the low amateur at the tournament, had to overcome some bad sleep in the attic of Butler Cabin that is reserved for the non-pros in the field.

“Just slept on my neck wrong,” Kent said per Golf Channel. “I don't necessarily fit in the bed, so, yeah, we're good.”

Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 8, 2025 Noah Kent of the U.S. hole hits his approach on the 2nd hole during a practice round REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Getting a bit crowded at the top of the leaderboard with some new additions!

Hoylake winner Brian Harman and Englishman Aaron Rai move up to two-under to tie for the lead.

But the most surprising addition? Nicolai Hojgaard!

After starting the first two holes at three-over, he's birdied on five of his next six to move into the lead.

Nicolai Hojgaard, Denmark, reacts after missing a putt on the second hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

MASTERS LEADERBOARD UPDATE AT 10:00AM

Let's make a little noise for Noah Kent! The amateur golfer from the University of Florida is making his Masters debut this week after finishing runner-up at the 2024 US Amateur.

And now he can say that he's shared the lead at the tournament.

Zach Johnson, Chris Kirk, Noah Kent, Aaron Rai

Nicolai Hojgaard, Michael Kim, Bernhard Langer, JT Poston, Fred Couples, Harris English, Brian Harman, Stephan Jaeger, Corey Conners, Byeong Hun An

Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 10, 2025  Noah Kent of the U.S. hits his tee shot on the 4th hole during the first round REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Take a moment to stop and smell the flowers

Well, I guess you can't unless you're there but Augusta has always been a beautifully manicured and landscaped course.

This video just proves that.

The first featured group of the tournament is off and running

Collin Morikawa leads the group with a perfect drive, followed by Joaquin Niemann's acceptabale shot and Min Woo Lee's shank left into the trees.

Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 9, 2025 Collin Morikawa of the U.S. plays out from the bunker on the 2nd hole during a practice round REUTERS/Mike Segar

Fred Couples fires up the crowd with a chip-in at No. 1

Couples pumped up the patrons at Augusta with a spectacular finish to the first hole

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Fred Couples of the United States celebrates holing out for birdie on the first green during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

MASTERS LEADERBOARD UPDATE AT 9:30AM

Here's how the leaderboard looks as more of the field gets underway:

Zach Johnson, Chris Kirk

Jhonattan Vegas, Mike Weir, Michael Kim, Danny Willett, Davis Thompson, Bernhard Langer, Noah Kent, JT Poston, Aaron Rai, Fred Couples, Brian Harman

Chris Kirk joins Zach Johnson atop the leaderboard

He's also minimized mistakes and now a birdie at No. 4 moves him up

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Chris Kirk of the United States plays his second shot on the first hole during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Roughly 30 minutes away from the first featured group of the day

The 9:47 tee time should provide for plenty of fun with Collin Morikawa, Joaquin Niemann, and Min Woo Lee

On No. 4 now... the tournament leader

It's been a blemish free round so far for former Masters champion Zach Johnson.

He's birdied No. 2 and No. 3 to take a one-stroke lead on the field.

Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 10, 2025  Zach Johnson of the U.S. acknowledges the crowd on the green on the 2nd hole during the first round REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Nicolai Hojgaard has had a WILD start to his Masters

The Dane opened his day with a bogey on No. 1 and a double-bogey on hole No. 2.

Since then? Birdie, birdie, birdie to work his way back to even par.

Nicolai Hojgaard, Denmark, hits from the bunker on the first hole during the first round at the Masters golf tournament, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

It's gonna be a beautiful day for golf in Georgia

Just a few clouds in the sky, but other than that, nice and warm

MASTERS LEADERBOARD UPDATE AT 9:00AM

Jhonattan Vegas, Mike Weir, Michael Kim, Zach Johnson

Davis Riley, Danny Willett, Nicolas Echavarria, Davis Thompson, Bernhard Langer, Noah Kent

Looking to add to your bag? DailyMail.com has a list of the best golf gear you can use

Our experts examined the top gifts and gadgets that any golfer could use.

Click on the link below to shop around.

Some Love for the Lefties

This year's tournament features the most left-handed golfers in its history.

Of course, there's three-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson - but there's also major names like Robert McIntyre and Akshay Bhatia.

Other southpaws include Masters champions Bubba Watson and Mike Wier as well as Open Championship winner Brian Harman.

Joe Highsmith and Matt McCarty round out the list.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 09: Phil Mickelson of the United States plays his shot from the third tee during a practice round prior to the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Wanna put a little skin in the game? Here are the latest odds from FanDuel

The reigning champion is the clear-cut favorite to keep the green jacket and opens the tournament as the odds leader - but there are plenty of major names behind him:

- Scottie Scheffler +450

- Rory McIlroy +650

- Jon Rahm +1400

- Xander Schauffele +1800

- Bryson DeChambeau +1800

- Ludvig Aberg +2000

Bernhard Langer has teed off in his final Masters tournament

The oldest player in the field at age 67, Langer will voluntarily give up his guaranteed spot in the field that he earned by winning the 1985 and 1993 Masters tournaments.

Langer is still letting it rip on the Champions Tour, but his time hitting the tees at Augusta is coming to an end.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 09: Bernhard Langer of Germany  signs autographs for patrons on the ninth hole during the Par Three Contest prior to the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Hole No. 4 birdie for Kizzire

It's the second birdie of the tournament after Riley birdied on the Par-5 second hole.

First watchable action in the Masters has arrived!

The first group of the tournament has arrived at hole No. 4 and we can now watch some golf.

Davis Riley and Patton Kizzire are both on the green of the Par-3 fourth.

The 'Golden Bear' has still got it

At age 85, Nicklaus can still hit them straight.

Re-assuring applause from his wife, Barbara, is a nice touch too.

A little on Tom Watson

Since taking a spot as an honorary starter in 2022, the 75-year-old Missouri native has seamlessly blended into the group of Player and Nicklaus.

With a smile that can light up a room, the relative spring chicken of the group even out-drove his other two 'playing partners'.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Honorary Starter Tom Watson of the United States smiles on the first tee during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Honorary Starter Tom Watson of the United States smiles on the first tee during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

A word for Frankie Fleetwood

The son of British golfer Tommy, we all need to channel his attitude out on the course.

Already the unsung hero of the 2025 tournament.

One big name not in attendance...

Davis Riley saves par... Patton Kizzire doesn't

Some first hole nerves for the opening group, as Riley finds the trees down the left of the fairway with his first shot of the week. He recovers well to find the back of the green, and then two-putts to make par.

His playing partner, Patton Kizzire, is less fortunate, though. 'Fore right' comes the call from the tee and he's deep in the woods. Eventually he makes bogey, and it's a tough start for the veteran.

Meet the Masters WAGs

Here's the full Honorary Starters clip

Courtesy of The Masters on X:

Jack Nicklaus was delighted at his tee shot

An amazing moment for the legendary golfer, and those in attendance to watch.

Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 10, 2025  Jack Nicklaus of the U.S. reacts during the ceremonial tee off REUTERS/Brian Snyder

The opening group

Davis Riley is making his Masters debut, after picking up two wins on the PGA Tour across his career so far. He won the Zurich Classic in 2023, and then picked up a remarkable victory at the Charles Schwab in May of last year, beating runners up Keegan Bradley and Scottie Scheffler by five strokes.

Today he's playing alongside Patton Kizzire, who's playing in his third Masters and his first since 2019. It's also his first major, period, since the 2022 US Open. The 39-year-old has three PGA Tour wins, most recently in September 2024 when he won the Procore Championship at Silverado, California.

First hole locations

Pin placement can mean everything at Augusta National, so here's the first round hole locations that the players will have been studying all night and all morning.

The first to try the course out, Davis Riley and Patton Kizzire, are on the tee and about to play their first shots in just a couple of minutes.

This man is 89 years old

No wonder they called him 'Mr Fitness'. Gary Player, ladies and gentlemen.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Honorary Starter Gary Player of South Africa reacts after playing his shot from the first tee during the first round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

First pictures from the course

The 2025 Masters is underway

'This fairway gets a little more narrow every year', comes the shout of the legendary Gary Player as he steps up to the first tee. At 89 years old, he could still be mistaken for a man in his 60s, and he gets one away nicely.

Jack Nicklaus is next up, telling the patrons to 'watch out' as he lines one up with his driver. Straight down the middle, much to the delight of those watching on.

Finally, two-time Masters champion and eight-time major champion Tom Watson is on the tee. Little club twirl, and a big round of applause. The Masters is underway.

So when does the action begin?

In short: very soon. In just 10 minutes' time, the Honorary Starters will be on the first tee to begin the tournament. They're made up of Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson, and the crowds are already crowding the tee box to catch a glimpse of the golfing legends in action.

From there, the action proper begins at 7:40am ET (12:40pm if you're in the UK!), with Davis Riley and Patton Kizzire in the opening group.

Some other big names to note are: Danny Willett at 8:24am, Cam Smith at 8:52am, Collin Morikawa at 9:47am, Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas at 10:15am, and Rory McIlroy at 1:12pm.

Poppy's big putt

Here's that incredible moment... which dad Rory will be desperate to emulate over the next four days!

The serious stuff starts today...

...but yesterday's action was a little more relaxed. The traditional Par-3 Contest saw the stars of the sport out on the course with their nearest and dearest, and it created some amazing memories, perhaps none better than Poppy McIlroy's putt.

While Nicolas Echavarria won the Contest (meaning that he now can't win the Masters itself... it's the curse, don't blame me!), it was McIlroy's daughter who produced the best moment of the day, sinking a huge putt on the ninth hole. Video to follow!

epa12021679 Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland (R) watches his daughter Poppy's (C) ball as it rolls towards the hole with Shane Lowry of Ireland (L) on the ninth green during the Par 3 Contest during the 2025 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA, 09 April 2025.  EPA/CJ GUNTHER
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 09: Jon Rahm of Spain walks with his son, Kepa Rahm, during the Par Three Contest prior to the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 09: AJ, son of Adam Schenk of the United States, and Fritz, son of Stephan Jaeger of Germany, are seen during the Par Three Contest prior to the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Welcome to The Masters!

Good morning, and welcome to the start of the best week in sports. It's Masters Thursday, and we're mere minutes away from the first tee times at Augusta National.

Throughout the week, we'll bring you all the updates, including exclusive detail from our reporters at the course.

Here we go!

Key Updates
  • MASTERS LEADERBOARD UPDATE AT 1:30PM
  • The eye-popping price of concessions at Augusta National
  • Inside Rory McIlroy's shocking divorce U-Turn ahead of Augusta return
  • Never been to Augusta, Georgia? This is what the city really looks like
  • Looking to add to your bag? DailyMail.com has a list of the best golf gear you can use
  • Wanna put a little skin in the game? Here are the latest odds from FanDuel
  • Meet the Masters WAGs

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