Updated April 8, 8 p.m.
AUGUSTA, Ga. – As the darkness falls on Augusta National, the Masters has a familair feel. Tiger Woods is in the hunt, and former champions Tom Watson, Fred Couples and Phil Mickelson are among the leaders.
Woods, making his return to golf after a five-month layoff following the revelations of his martial infidelity, opened with a sub-70 first round here for the first time. The four-time champion described his reception as “incredible.”
At 6-under 66, Couples made history by becoming the oldest golfer to hold sole possession of the lead after any round in Masters history. He made a slick birdie putt on No. 17 to move out of the pack at 5 under that included Watson, Mickelson, Lee Westwood, K.J. Choi and Y.E. Yang.
Follow the second round Friday at timesfreepress.com and submit questions on our facebook and twitter accounts and look for answers throughout the day.
Updated April 8, 11:14 a.m.
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Early positioning here at Augusta National only matters on the negative side. It’s near impossible to win the Masters on Thursday, but it’s all-too-common to be eliminated in round one.
The early leaderboard has been dominated by some familiar names to the regulars here. Former champs Berhnard Langer and Tom Watson are off to quick starts. langher went out with a 3-under 33 and is leading the tournament. Watson is 2 under through six holes.
Remember that you know who tees off at 1:42, but I’m guessing you knew Tiger Woods’ tee time.
Of note, Phil Mickelson hit one half way to Hixson off the tee at No. 1. Unofficially it went about 340 yards, cresting the hill and leaving a knock-down shot to the first green. He two-putted for par.
Check back throughout the day for more updates and send me your questions on facebook.com/timesfreepress and twitter.com/timesfreepress. Look for some answers around 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Updated April 8, 9:06 a.m.
Early leaders at Masters have local ties
AUGUSTA, Ga. – There was an interesting mix of names atop the early leaderboard here at Augusta National on Thursday.
Brian Gay made birdies on Nos. 2 and 3 and is 2 under through three holes. Heath Slocumb is in a group of five at 1 under. Gay’s caddie is Kip Henley, a former Chattanooga resident, and Chattanooga native D.J. Nelson is carrying Slocumb’s bag.
Also among the group at 1 under are former champ Bernhard Langer and Louis Oosthuizen, who won the par-3 contest Wednesday.
Check back throughout the day for more updates and send me your questions on facebook.com/timesfreepress and twitter.com/timesfreepress. Look for some answers around 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
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