English veteran Paul Casey was the surprise clubhouse leader after the weather-interrupted first round of the Masters yesterday.
The 43-year-old carded a superb seven-under-par 65 with an eagle and five birdies at Augusta National to tie his best score in a Major (R4/2018 Masters) in what was his 218th round in one of golf’s big four. Yet to win a Major title, Casey improved by a massive 16 shots over his a 9-over 81 in the first round of last year’s Masters.
In second spot on five-under-par are Webb Simpson and Xander Schauffele, who both finished their rounds, along with fellow American Justin Thomas who completed 10 holes before play was stopped for the day due to fading light.
Searching for a 16th Major title, defending champion Tiger Woods tied his career-low first-round score at the Masters (2010) with a 68, matched by Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama who is the leading Asian player. Thailand’s Jazz Janewattanond opened his maiden Masters campaign with an excellent 69, matched by a host of big-name players including Spanish star Jon Rahm.
Matsuyama enjoyed his best opening round at Augusta National in what his ninth appearance at the fable tournament. The 28-year-old Japanese star took advantage of ideal scoring conditions and made five birdies against a lone bogey to put himself in position to challenge for a maiden Major title and a sixth PGA Tour victory. Starting from the 10th, Matsuyama, who finished fifth in 2015 and tied seventh in 2016, made birdies on Hole Nos. 13 and 14 from close range before picking up another shot on the third hole following a controlled approached shot.
He dropped his only bogey on five by missing the green but with his well-controlled iron play where he hit 14 greens in regulation, Matsuyama promptly birdied the eighth and ninth holes from inside of six feet to ensure a three-shot improvement from his previous best first round score which he shot on three occasions.
Jazz, the 2019 Asian Tour No. 1, was delighted with a solid debut at Augusta National highlighted by six birdies including four over his closing six holes. It was also his best first round score in what is his sixth Major appearance. His tied 14th result at the 2019 PGA Championship remains as his career best Major finish to date. Taking advantage of soft conditions due to a morning thunderstorm, Jazz rolled in birdies on Hole Nos. 2, 13, 15, 16 and 18 but dropped bogeys on Hole Nos. 11 and 12 to share 13th place.
CT Pan, the first Chinese Taipei golfer to play in the Masters since 2009, also enjoyed a memorable debut with an opening 70 on a day he turned 29. Pan made three birdies from close range on the fourth, 13th and 16th holes and dropped a shot at the par 3 12th hole when he missed the green. Pan, a one-time winner on the PGA Tour, could have gone lower but burnt the edges with birdie attempts at the third, ninth and 18th holes.
Korea’s Si Woo Kim, the 2019 Players Championship winner, opened with a 70 while another debutant, Sungjae Im, was 2-under through seven holes.
Due to inclement weather and thunderstorms, play was suspended at 7:35am and resumed at 10:20am. The first round was suspended due to darkness at 5:30pm with 44 players left on the course, who will resume Friday at 7:30am. If no further delays occur, the second round will begin at approximately 9:35am.
First Day Leaderboard
Paul Casey – 65 (-7)
Webb Simpson – 67 (-5)
Xander Schauffele – 67 (-5)
Justin Thomas – (-5) thru 10
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