20:58
Scheffler narrowly avoids disaster at 13!
The American’s second shot seemed destined for the creek right in front of the 13th green – slumping his shoulders as he watched it fly.
Magically it landed dry just on the slope in front of the green – with Scheffler chipping on and dropping a birdie putt to move into a three-way tie for second at four-under.
20:52
Danny Willett enters the clubhouse at four-under
The 2016 Masters champion is just three-shots back of DeChambeau after knocking in a birdie putt at No. 18.
Tomorrow will be a huge day for the Englishman at the course where he’s won his only major!
20:49
Matt Fitzpatrick comes out of Amen Corner with three-straight birdies to jump into a tie for second!
Talk about an answered prayer!
The Englishman and 2022 US Open hcmpion strolled into the three biggest holes on the course and walked out with three massive birdies with five holes remaining.
20:47
Woods' birdie putt just misses on No. 3
Tiger didn’t strike it well enough as his birdie putt just stays high on hole No. 3. He taps in for par and stays at one-under thanks to his birdie on the first hole.
20:39
Scheffler gets birdie from the bunker!
An amazing shot from the 2022 Masters champion sees a great splash out of the sand and his ball rolls perfectly into the hole at No. 12! He’s now at three-under and about to come out of Amen Corner
20:35
Huge par save for Tiger
After a stunning birdie to open his round, Tiger immediately finds himself in trouble on the second.
His tee shot is left and in the pine straw and nestle against the trunk of a tree. He manages to hack it out on to the fairway to try and get back into play but wastes his third shot by sending it long over the green and into the gallery.
He bails himself out by knocking it close for the par putt, which he drains from 14 feet to stay in the red.
Massive move to maintain his momentum early on.
20:24
Clubhouse leader
It’s official, Bryson DeChambeau’s prophecy has been fulfilled on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National.
The LIV rebel has shot an opening round of 65 to finish his day as the clubhouse leader at seven-under.
There’s obviously still a lot of golf to play but he’ll be a lot happier than this tome last year.
-7 B DeChambeau
-4 D Willet, V Hovland, B An
-3 R Fox, W Clark, C Davis
-2 S Scheffler, M Fitzpatrick, C Smith
20:14
Tiger opens his birdie account
Tiger shows his superior Augusta knowledge with his approach shot at the first.
He dials it in to within eight feet of the pin and naturally drains the birdie putt to open. Calm as you like and the Augusta green reverberates with the cheers from the swarm of patrons fllowing him. Couldn’t script it any better if you tried?
The Big Cat is back and on the prowl, was there ever any doubt?
20:08
Mind the gap
And there’s another birdie for DeChambeau.
It’s full steam ahead with no sign of stopping for the American as he rolls yet another in to pull three shots clear.
It’s not going to be a 67 for him. It’s going to be even better. Just one more hole and he’ll finally have his vindication.
20:05
Hovland's hustling
Now Hovland is making moves!
The Norwegian makes consecutive bridies at the seventh, eighth and ninth to head into the turn at four-under and in a share of fourth.
This is the best golf we’ve seen from him all year. Finally, he’s showing signs of the man that won the FedEx Cup. Now, if he’ll just stop messing with his swing, maybe this success will stick around.
19:55
Fore please! Now driving, Tiger Woods!
And he’s back!
He stripes one to the center of the fairway, did we expect anythign else?
Woods isn’t here for a knockabout, he means business.
There’s a lot on the line this week with the legend eyeing the chance to break the cut record with 24 consecutive cuts made at The Masters.
But it’s not just about making the weekend for Woods. No, for him, it’s all about winning and believes he can do it.
19:49
Bryson pulls ahead
Yeah, DeChambeau is really making me eat my words now.
Not only has he got the outright lead but he’s extended it to two shots, with a worldie of a tee shot.
He drills it into the middle of the green, sticking it in the perfect spot to catch the slope and let it trundle down to within six feet.
He’s on a roll now.
19:45
Countdown to Tiger
This is your 10 minute warning everyone!
He locked in and loaded
19:43
McIlroy claws it back to even
I haven’t mentioned McIlroy for a while, and for good reason.
The Northern Irishman has been stuck at one-over for the past three holes but thankfully the par-five eigth, which has been playing easier than the first today, comes to his rescue.
His knack for blitzing the par fives at Augusta offers McIlroy a lifeline. A well-judged eagle putt from 77 feet stays seven feet back from the hole but he’ll happily settle for the birdie to claw back to level par.
19:40
DeChambeau outright leads
Remember when we took a trip down memorary lane earlier today and recalled when DeChambeau claimed Augusta National was a par 67 for him?
Well, he may finally be fulfilling that claim.
With a birdie at the 15th – his sixth of the day – the Crusher GC captain moves to five-under and is indeed on track for a round of 67.
He hammers home a stinger of a second shot onto the dancefloor before knocking a 41-footer to within a foot for an easy tap-in birdie.
Meanwhile, Fox has dropped a shot at the 13th, handing DeCheambeau the solo lead.
I’m sorry Bryson, I take it all back!
19:15
Latest standings
-5 R Fox
-4 B DeChambeau
-3 D Willett, B Am
-2 S Scheffler, W Zalatoris, C Smith and others
-1 P Mickelson, V Hovland, J Rahm, M Fitzpatrick and others
19:13
DeChambeau into solo second
DeChambeau is really on a roll now!
He steamrolls round Amen Corner in two-under after backing up his bridie at 12 with another at the 13th.
What makes it all the more impressive is that his tee shot takes a trip into the woods. He’s right off the tee, finidng the pines flanking the fairway.
However, hs ball takes a lucky knock off one of the trunks to scoot it into a window, giving him a view into the green.
He finds the dancefloor with his second over the creek and two putts for the birdie.
19:04
Rahm trundles along
Rahm, like main rival Scheffler, hasn’t quite been firing on all cylinders yet today but slow and steady wins the race.
He puts a 41-foot putt on the sixth close, tapping in for the par to stay even for the day.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
19:00
Stone cold Scottie
Now that’s more like it Scheffler!
Considering he was the red-hot favorite for The Masters this week, Scheffler’s start was pretty underwhelming, I’m not going to lie.
But he’s caught alight and is heating up. And we all know once he gets hot, there’s no stopping him.
H epicks up his second birdie of round one thanks to a corker of a tee shot at the par-three sixth, which he tops off with an 18-foot putt.
Two-under and on the leaderboard.
18:57
Tiger watch
And we have our first Tiger sighting!
The legend has arrived at the practice ground ahead of his round with Jason Day and Max Homa at 3.54pm ET/8.54pm BST.
We’re also gifted with a first look at Woods’ first Masters outfit that’s not Nike. The 48-year-old dons his new line, Sun Day Red, for the first time at a major championship since splitting from Nike in January.
It’s a blush pink polo and sweat vest set, which, while not as vibrant as his hot pink look from his 2022 comeback, is still a slight nod to the azaleas of Augusta.
18:53
Struggling to go low
The wind has picked up at Augusta, if the rustling pines are anything to go by, which could be contributing to the modest scores.
Van Rooyen and Willett have both hit snags on the back nine after hot starts with the former dropping to two-under and the latter to one-under.
However, considering he underwent shoulder surgery seven months ago, it’s miraculous Willett is even playing so he’d probably take it to be honest.
18:48
Clark gets in the red
Wyndham Clark joins his playing partners, Smith and Hovland, at one-under.
He gets in the red thanks to a beautifully delicate chip, which sets up an nice and easy birdie putt.
Nice hands.
18:44
DeChambeau birdies the 12th
It’s one of the most famous – and terrifying – holes in golf but DeChambeau makes easy work of it.
The big hitter manags to walk off Golden Bell in two after safely flying his tee shot across Rae’s Creek like a dart to the center of the green to within 17 feet of the pin. He then rolls in the birdie putt to claw his way back to three-under after a dropped shot at the ninth.
18:31
And it's back to one-over for McIlroy
Okay, I spoke to soon.
McIlroy follows up his bounceback birdie with another bogey.
His tee shot at the par-3 fourth finds the bunker and, while he manages to get it out, he leaves it high and above the hole. He’s left with a tricky putt back down the hill to save par. It doesn’t come back in like he expects it to and it slides right past the left edge of the hole. He sinks the four footer back for bogey.
My god, it’s the hope that kills you.
18:22
Rollercoaster for Rory
Oh Rory, Rory, Rory. Every year it’s the same. The hype, the hope, the belief.. only for McIlroy to crack under the prssure.
This year it’s only taken until the second for his first bogey, missing a par-save putt from six feet.
But – and thank god there’s a but – he bounces back on the next hole, making aends from the same distance to claim that shot back.
Bounceback birdie and the Grand Slam is still on… ish.
Meanwhile, it should also be a birdie for Scheffler but he somehow missed from four feet.
18:14
Hovland and Smith move to one-under
Wyndham Clark is the only one of his group not to take advatage of the par-five second, Pink Dogwood, as both Viktor Hovland and Cam Smith make their first bridies of the day.
And as promised, the Norwegian’s shirt is BRIGHT. It’s not quite the same level as last year’s first-round floral design but it is certainly something. Would love to be in the room when Lindeberg unveils its designs to Hovland.
18:05
An eagle has landed
Ryan Fox has flown to the top of the leaderboard with an eagle at the par-five eighth rocketing him to five-under.
He leapfrogs Van Rooyen, who sits second. Meanwhile, Willett and DeChambeau have both taken a tumble down the leaderboard to two-under.
-5 R Fox
-4 E van Rooyen, B An
-2 D Willett, B Chambeau and others
17:56
Dunlap is seeing all Augusta has to offer
Nick Dunlap is taking the pitturesque route around Augusta National with the 20-year-old seeing the course from every angle on his first time at The Masters.
He was wayward left off the tee on the first and is again at the third. He chips out of the detritus and into a bunker.
17:45
Favorite Scheffler is on the course… for now
Tee shot? Tick. Approach shot to 10 feet? Tick. Unfortunately for Rory McIlroy, his putt drifts by the hole and he has to settle for par at the opener.
He’s joined by Scheffler and Schauffele in an absolutely star-studded grouping. They all safely play the first in level par.
Now, Scheffler is the obviosu favortie for a second gree jacket this week. It’s just a matter of whether he can stick around to see iut the full four rounds.
Scheffler and Sam Burns are soon-to-be fathers although that could come at the expense of playing at the Masters this weekend due to their very pregnant wives potentially going into labor during the tournament.
According to Todd Lewis, of the Golf Channel, if either player gets a call that their wives are going into labor anytime between Thursday and Sunday then they would immediately pull out of the major and do everything they can to get to hospital.
17:33
INCHES from an ace!!
Harris English came agonozingly close to the first hole-in-one of the 88th Masters.
The American’s tee shot on the par-3 sixth skirts around the edge of the hole, just teasing him.
But we’ll settle for the tap-in birdie though, eh Harris?
17:27
McIlroy's quest begins
And he’s off! McIlroy’s quest for the coveted Green Jacket – the only prize to evade his glittering career so far – continues.
McIlroy’s drive looks in fine nick on the opening hole – he’s flushed his ball 354 yards down the middle of the fairway.
Playing partners Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele are safely away too.
Ahead of them, the trio of Rahm, Fitzpatrick and Dunlap all way away from the first with pars.
17:23
McIlroy is next up
McIlroy has been working with legendary swing coach Butch Harmon in recent weeks in the hope of rediscovering his spark and finally clinching a career Grand Slam.
And his former agent Chubby Chandler believes Butch may just be the key to unlock golf’s Holy Grail for the Northern Irishman.
Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Masters Golf Odds, Chandler said:
The Butch effect will kick in this week. What does Butch do? Butch caresses their ego, takes them back to where they were, tells them how good they are, pats them on the arse and sends them out and says ‘nobody is going to beat you next week’.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Rory makes a big run at it next week, because his game will go back to how he used to play, he’ll have Butch’s words of encouragement in his mind and he’ll have been told how good he is for three days.
Even in Rory’s world you need to be told how good you are every now and again.”
The Masters was in the palm of his hand in 2011, suddenly he lost it and then it became the one he hasn’t won. The whole set of circumstances conspired against him and now The Masters is everything to him.
17:07
Rahm's defense is underway
Ladies and gentleman, now driving, your 2023 champion.
Jon Rahm gets his title defense underway! Despite ultimately emerging victorious, the Spaniard will be looking to avoid a similar start to last year when he opened with a double bogey.
There shouldn’t be too much trouble as the LIV Golf defector blasts one down the middle of the fairway.
But it’s ‘fore left’ for his playing partners 2022 US Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick and Nick Dunlap.
Dunlap is making his first appearance at The Masters after becoming the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991 in January.
16:54
Speaking of food…
Forget the Pimento Cheese, I’ll have what Rahm’s having!
Jon Rahm served up a feast of his own Tuesday night and my god, it looked mouthwatering.
The great and the good of golf gathered for a last supper on Tuesday night at Rahm’s Masters Champions Dinner, one of the final traditions before the action finally begins at Augusta.
Defending champion Rahm welcomed his guests with an Iberian themed menu that included a deeply personal touch he wanted to share with his fellow champions, ahead of his quest to again conquer one of the finest courses of them all.
The 29-year-old Spaniard started with a mix of tapas and pintxos, including spicy Basque chorizo, and ‘Mama Rahm’s Classic Lentil Stew’ – and dish made exactly to his grandmother’s recipe by chef Jose Andres, who helped Rahm design the menu.
The Rahm family recipe was followed by crab salad before offering a choice of ribeye stake or turbot and concluded with puff pastry cake, served with custard and Chantilly cream.
16:51
Lunchtime at Augusta
It’s almost lunchtime down in Georgia but luckily for the patrons at Augusta National, they can feast for a pittance.
But they’ll face a tough choice: Pimento Cheese or Egg Salad?
That is the question that has divided patrons at The Masters for decades.
Of course I’m referring to the two iconic sandwiches that have been sold at Augusta National since the 1930s which have become a cult classic, not just at the historic tournament, but all around the world.
As many patrons who have made the iconic once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Augusta will tell you, the sights, the sounds and the atmosphere make the first major of the year so special. But they almost never forget to mention the food options that are available, which are in a league of their own for both quality and price.
16:37
Scores on the doors
Here’s your early leaderboard update:
-3 B DeChambeau, R Fox
-2 E van Rooyen, B An
-1 D Willett, C Lamprecht (a) and four others
16:34
Mickelson is back… but not better
Mickelson’s 2023 Masters is often forgotten about, despite him managing to finish second.
His 2024 Masters doesn’t appear to be following a similar pattern. The Lefty bogeys the first after his iron into the first green comes up a tad short. He then chips to eight feet leaving a tricky putt for par, which he can’t drop in.
Is appears Augusta – where he won three Masters titles – can’t inspire Mickelson to turn around the lackluster game he’s been suffering through on LIV.
16:17
DeChambeau starts with back-to-back birdies
Garcia’s fellow LIV rebel Bryson DeChambeau is also out on the course but he’s enjoying a much better start.
The American has birdied his first three holes to sit atop the leaderboard. Not too shabby, Bryson, not too shabbing at all.
This is the man who declared that Augusta National, one of the most prestigious courses in golf, played as a par 67 for a player like him. Spoiler alert: DeChambeau has yet to ever play Augusta in 67. In fact, since making that claim in 2020, DeChambeau has only finished under par once,
But maybe, just maybe, this could be the year Bryson.
16:08
Fashion statement from Garcia
It will be hard to miss Sergio Garcia today. Although he’ll be hoping everyone will have somehow missed his opening tee shot.
It appears Garcia is refamiliarising himself with the aboreal sights of Augusta National after his time away on the rebel circuit.
With his drive, the Spaniard takes a trip into the trees. He knocks his ball back out onto the fairway and somehow escapes with par.
16:03
Lamprecht makes strides
Christo Lamprecht is more giant than amateur. Standing at an incredible 6ft 8in, the South African has gone full send.
A student at nearby Georgia Tech, he’s no stranger to Augusta and he’s putting his local knowledge and muscle to good use.
He hits his first tee shot 353 yards. I repeat, 353 yards! That leaves him just 89 yards into the green at the first.
Sometimes size does matter.
15:53
Ole's got the shakes
Olazabal has an, erm, interesting warm up routine to say the least.
A wet Augusta isn’t the warmest I guess, but surely he should be used to it having grown up on the Basque coastline!
15:47
Playing the waiting game
For those of you just tuning in expecting to hear about big guns Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler, I have some bad news.
ICYMI, thunderstorms threatened The Masters this morning. They tried but the show is still going ahead, just a little late. Okay, a lot late.
Play was delayed two and a half hours meanin | Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick and Nick Dunlap aren’t going out until 1.00pm ET/6pm, while Scheffler, McIlroy and Xander Schauffele don’t tee off until 1.12pm ET/6.12pm BST.
15:36
LIV rebels are unsurprisingly backing themselves
LIV Golf asked its players which one of them would be likely to emerge from major season vicotorious.
Defending Masters champion Jon Rahm was a popular choice – no surprises there. While Brooks Koepka backed himself. Shock.
15:33
Woodland seals fairytale comeback
Gary Woodland has sealed one of the most heartwarming comeback stories at The Masters.
The 2019 US Open champion has got his tournament underway just six months after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor in September.
He only returned to the PGA Tour at the start of the year but was offered an encouraging sign when he hit the first hole-in-one of his professional career at Augusta National Golf Club.
In the traditional Par 3 competition on the eve of The Masters, which sees players take part in a light-hearted event with members of their families serving as caddies, Woodland achieved the feat from around 140 yards out on the sixth hole.
15:25
Not the start he was looking for…
I bet Eckroat is wonder what he did to rub the gods of golf up the wrong way.
While the four at the top make birdies, the American starts his first-ever Masters appearance with a double bogey. That is brutal.
But don’t panic yet, Austin! Last year, a little-known Spanish golfer by the name of Jon Rahm – you may have heard of him – four-putted on the first to start his tournament with a double-bogey six. I seem to remember him going on to do pretty well…
15:20
Birdies drop left, right and center
And just like that Willet has opened the floodgates. His lead is extremely shortlived.
After the Englishman sunk the first birdie, everyone is getting in on the action.
Knapp, Van Rooyen and Moore all make ones of their own. Who said Augusta was hard?
It’s a tight one at the top… for now.
15:16
We have lift off!
Hear that? That’s the chirping of the first birdie of the 88th Masters.
And it’s from Danny Willett no less. The 2016 champion dials in a crisp iron shot into the middle of the green, almost pin high for his second.
He has a great look at birdie and sinks the 19-foot putt for the early lead.
Not a bad way to start your first round of golf since September, Danny.
15:10
Return of a former champion
Next up is another former champion, 2016 winner Danny Willett, who is making a return from injury.
The Englishman is back ahead of schedule after recovering from a complex shoulder surgery.
He’s off alongside Austin Eckroat and German Stephan Jaeger.
15:07
All level through the first
The flag is whipping around on the first green but the skies look to be brightening slightly.
Van Rooyen and Knapp both walk off with pars, while Group 2 of former champion Jose Maria Olazabal, Taylor Moore and amateur Santiago de la Fuente also make tidy work of the first.
15:01
Can't find The Masters on TV?
Flicking up and down your channel guide and yet not seeing a single golf shot? You’re not the only one.
While there are other ways to stream it, those who still watch traditional linear television are prevented from following the morning sessions of The Masters on Thursday through to Sunday.
So why is that the case? And how can a golf fan looking for their morning fix take it in?
Mail Sport has all the answers…
14:52
Here's a closer look at that floral shirt from Van Rooyen…
Augusta is known for its stunning flowers, particularly the azaleas and it appears the South African has really taken that theme and run with it. Let’s hope he’s got one that goes with green for Sunday.
Still doesn’t quite rival Viktor Hovland’s from last year though. I’ve had a peek at the Norwegian’s scripting for this week too and boy, are we in for a treat.
14:45
On the tee…
… from South Africa and the United States, Erik van Rooyen and Jake Knapp!
The pairing officially get us up and running. Van Rooyen, sporting a rather funky pink foral shirt, is up first. It’s a slightl slice that finds the first cut of rough but he should be okay from there. Shake off those first tee nerves Erik!
Knapp fires off a beauty up the left side of the fairway. Nicely done and his caddie agrees as he cries out, ‘Lovely!’
14:30
Shots for the ages
14:29
Speaking of adorable moments
The Wednesday before The Masters often provides the sweetest moments of the week as the players taking to the par-3 course at Augusta with the wives or girlfriends and children acting as their caddies.
The glamorous WAGs and other family members don the famous white boiler suits caddies wear at Augusta, with some even having a crack at a couple of shots themselves.
And yesterday was no different as the families took to the course again.
14:22
The Golden Bear's a softie really
Augusta National has witnessed many iconic moments but Jack Nicklaus may have just provided it with its most adorable.
While being instructed to get into position for the traditional photo of the honorary starters and their caddies, the 18-time major winner shared a loving moment with his wife of 64 years, Barbara, who’s on the bag.
‘I’ve got my caddie right here,’ he declared while wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
An incredible player and loving husband. Get yourself a man who can do both, ladies!
14:13
And we're off!
88-year-old Gary Player and 84-year-old Jack Nicklaus both make quips about the struggles of bending down to place the ball on the tee in their ripe old age.
But even well into their 80s, the icons both fire off decent tee shots. You never lose it… not that I ever had it.
Last but not least is Tom Watson, the young gun among this trio at the age of 74, and after taking a little dig at Nicklaus also finds the fairway.
And with that, Augusta chairman Fred Ridley declares the 88th Masters chamoionship underway!
14:09
Pin positions
For the course analysts out there, here’s where the players will – or should – be firing today…
14:06
T-minus five minutes
We are just moments away from finally seeing some action.
In less than ten minutes the honorary starters will get the 2024 Masters underway.
In one of the many beloved Masters traditions, three legends of the game will take to the first tee to hit the ceremonial openeing shots.
This year, the trio of all-time greats, includes Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson.
14:01
When two worlds collide
It’s not just the golfers who are getting in on the action…
13:11
Is it down to LIV to dethrone Scheffler?
There was at one point last summer a hope that by the time the game’s best players were arriving down Magnolia Lane once again that the great divide would have healed itself.
Fast forward nine months and LIV Golf’s rebels are clashing with their PGA Tour counterparts once again with tensions just as high – and this time, they come with even more of a threat.
Talks between the PGA Tour and the PIF continue around a merger, but it’s the Saudi-backed circuit who have proved themselves to be the ultimate poker player.
LIV gambled big again in its offseason over the winner, splashing out $500million to lure reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm to its plight, but the big-money wager could pay off at Augusta National.
Greg Norman’s band of merry men will rock up to Augusta for the second year since tearing the golfing world in two. Except this year, they won’t be scoffed at. This time they come with a spring in their step.
12:32
Test for Tiger
Many of you will surely be wonering what the weather delay means for Tiger. And honestly? It’s not looking good.
The 15-time major winner will now not tee off until 3.54pm ET/8.54pm BST, meaning his chances of finishing a full 18 today are… zero.
The 48-year-old will have to play the rest of his first round tomorrow morning before hitting the course again for his second. With probably four to six holes to play on top of the 18 tomorrow, it’s going to be a tough task for Woods and his body.
11:55
Who's teeing off when?
With the weather delay pushing tee times back, here’s a refresher of what that means for the big names…
1.00pm ET/6pm BST | Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, Nick Dunlap
1.12pm ET/6.12pm BST | Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele
1.24pm ET/6.24pm BST | Wyndham Clark, Viktor Hovland, Cameron Smith
3.54pm ET/ 8.54pm BST | Tiger Woods, Jason Day, Max Homa
4.30pm ET/9.30pm BST | Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood
11:46
CONFIRMED
The Masters has now verified Garcia’s report. Great inside knowledge, Sergio.
Play is officially delayed until 10.30am ET/3.30pm BST, shoving all tee times back by two and a half hours.
The Spaniard will tee off at 11.42am/4.42pm just as he reported.
Pretty decent from him to be fair. It must be difficult keeping up with tee times these days after two years of shotgun starts on LIV Golf.
11:39
The show will go on
We have an update… just not from The Masters.
There’s a light at the end of the storm, according to 2017 champion Sergio Garcia.
The LIV Golf rebel has insisted the show will go on as he took to X to reveal his new tee time of 11.42am ET.
That’s a two-and-a-half hour delay from his original start time, meaning it’s likely we won’t see any play until at least 10.30am ET (3.30pm for you Brits).
11:34
The Big Cat is back!
And he’s here to win.
Last year, Tiger Woods, five-time winner of The Masters, was forced to withdraw following the third round after limping around Augusta in visible agony.
12 months and another surgery later, Woods is back and eyeing a sixth win.
If everything comes together, I think I can get one more. Do I need to describe that any more than that, or are we good?
I still think that I can [win]. I haven’t got to that point where I don’t think I can’t.
11:23
Weather watch
The good news is that major championship golf is finally back after 263 days of waiting.
The bad news is that we’re being made to wait just a little longer.
The weather down in Georgia has delayed the start of play with the first round not expected to begin before 9am ET – that’s 2pm for those of you across the pond – per The Masters itself.
11:17
Here we go…
It’s finally here. Happy Masters Thursday!
Welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of the first round of the first major of the year as we bring you all the action from Augusta National… when it finally gets going, that is.
The good ol’ Georgia weather has delayed the start of play as thunderstorms roll in over Augusta but fear not, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, regining champion Jon Rahm and, of course, Tiger Woods will all be teeing it up on the iconic rolling fairways later today.
In the meantime, we’ll be bringing you all the updates. So settle in, slip on your green jackets and get ready for the first major of the year.
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- Man City 'pull ahead of Liverpool, Barcelona and PSG in the race for Bayern Munich star's services' as Pep Guardiola's side 'look to bolster their attacking options this summer'
- Cristiano Ronaldo swaps red card rage for beach tranquility as Al-Nassr superstar relaxes with partner Georgina Rodriguez, days after being sent off for elbow and stamp on Al-Hilal opponent
- OJ Simpson dead at 76 after cancer battle: Football legend turned accused double-murderer dies 'surrounded by family' in Las Vegas just two months after diagnosis
- 'Hardest Geezer' Russ Cook 'IS eligible to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year award' after the British runner completed 10k mile trek across the ENTIRE length of Africa
- Harry Kane is only BOOKED for elbowing Arsenal's Gabriel in the face during Bayern Munich's Champions League tie
- Pep Guardiola is spotted wearing a £1.1MILLION watch while managing Man City against Real Madrid – and there's only 50 of them in the world
- Golf WAGs reunited! Jena Sims Koepka makes light-hearted dig at PGA Tour rival Layna Finau – as they embrace ahead of watching their husbands at The Masters
- Jamie Carragher tells footballers in their 20s – including his own son – NOT to have children for the sake of having 'no distractions' in their careers
- The hardest punch IN THE WORLD! Brazilian UFC 300 fighter Alex Pereira hits a power-measuring machine 'harder than a Ford Escort a full speed' to smash Francis Ngannou's old record
- Two Premier League stars lead the way after thrilling Champions League quarter-final matches – with one former Leeds player rated the best of the bunch… but who else features in Sofascore's Best XI of the round?
- Bukayo Saka's decision to dive was an 'absolute shocker,' Chris Sutton tells It's All Kicking Off… while Ian Ladyman thinks the Arsenal star will think twice about doing it again after the furore
- Premier League clubs vote unanimously for major new change to the offside rule – but it WON'T be ready for the start of next season
- Premier League clubs 'agree new financial model to control costs' – after Everton and Nottingham Forest had points deducted… with new squad cost ratio rules to replace Profitability and Sustainability Rules
- Fernando Alonso commits his future to Aston Martin by signing new two-year deal with British team… as double world champ snubs interest from F1 rivals including Red Bull
- Women's Super League pay price for delaying TV rights auction as clubs question negotiating strategy… plus Brentford's experiment for Sheffield United fixture – AHEAD OF THE GAME
- Three of Harry Kane's children emerge unscathed after car crash in Germany – on the same day as England captain flew to London with Bayern Munich for their Champions League clash against Arsenal
- Prince William celebrates Aston Villa's opening goal against Lille with Prince George at Villa Park – as duo watch Europa Conference League quarter-final tie amid backdrop of Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis battle
- Oscar Pistorius is 'too toxic' to get a job three months after release from jail for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp… with disheveled ex-Olympian sweeping church floors and living in his uncle's mansion
- WWE fans are convinced they know why Seth Rollins was so emotional on night two of WrestleMania… after he appeared to break down into tears having lost his world title AND after Cody Rhodes beat Roman Reigns
- Why Man United defender Tyrell Malacia has gone missing: The defender hasn't been seen since playing for Holland last JUNE 'following his decision to go against club's suggestion'
- Ex-NBA star Nate Robinson admits he 'doesn't have long to live' if he can't get a kidney replacement, as three-time Dunk Contest champion tells Mail Sport he'd only survive 'a week or two' without dialysis machine
- The Rock and John Cena will return to Hollywood, Roman Reigns is set for an extended break and THREE former world champions are out-of-contract imminently… with WrestleMania over, what is going on with WWE's top stars?
- PSG 2-3 Barcelona: Gianluigi Donnarumma puts on goalkeeping disasterclass as Catalan side come from behind to win five-goal thriller in Champions League last eight first leg
- The EIGHT-FIGURE fee for a move that NEVER happened: Why Leeds were told they must pay up to £40m for striker, who didn't even make a permanent transfer, after withdrawing court appeal
- Paul Scholes takes aim at star Man United duo for wearing HOODS in training as he despairs at slipping 'standards' at his former club in Instagram rant
- Arsenal handed Champions League boost as Bayern Munich star is ruled out of crucial second leg with a hamstring strain sustained in 2-2 draw at the Emirates
- Man United players 'believe Erik ten Hag is resigned to the sack' at the end of the season and have 'noticed a change in his demeanour' – with 'Graham Potter in line to take over'
- Travis Kelce is forced to move his New Heights live show INDOORS – as Kylie Kelce jokes Jason is to blame for not seeing thunderstorms are scheduled to hit Ohio on Thursday night!
- Chelsea complete £80m purchase of homes of 100 military veterans next to Stamford Bridge, despite protests from residents, as the Blues step up their £2bn plans to redevelop their stadium
- Barcelona and PSG boycott interviews with Spanish TV after pundit's 'racist' comment about Lamine Yamal as Diego Simeone's former No 2 apologises
- What might have been?! Man United star Kobbie Mainoo spotted out for dinner with friends wearing a sky blue jacket, years after rivals Man City tried to poach the teenage midfielder
- Former UFC champion is unrecognisable in new interview where she breaks down in tears after revealing having to battle suicidal thoughts and the horrifying abuse she suffered from coaches at a young age
- Cricket legend's son lands amazing job as head of 's air force as proud father admits: 'It's greater than anything I've ever achieved'
- Who is Leanne Brown – a former Real Housewife of Cheshire star who left ex-Man United husband Wes Brown a year before he filed for bankruptcy
- Xabi Alonso opens up on why he turned down chance to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and insists he's 'committed' to Bayer Leverkusen… as Ruben Amorim remains front-runner to take over
- Working in a local church where he 'never cracks a smile', out of shape, and living in his uncle's 24-room mansion: Inside Oscar Pistorius' life on parole after release from jail for the murder of Reeva Steenkamp
- James Graham's blistering rant about Peter FitzSimons: Furious footy great tears strips off newspaper columnist in devastating takedown
- Travis Kelce opens up on life with Taylor Swift in rare moment on New Heights podcast… as he reveals he is 'having a blast' and 'doesn't know' how he got pop superstar into the NFL: 'She wasn't into sports'
- Ex-Man United star Wes Brown – who earned £50,000-a-week as a player – speaks out for the first time since being declared BANKRUPT after divorce from his wife, as he admits he never had the 'right people' around him
- Masters stars, their stunning WAGs and adorable children head out for Augusta National's traditional Par 3 competition on the eve of the tournament
- Rashee Rice arrest warrant issued by Dallas police 'and he intends to turn himself in' with the Chiefs Super Bowl winner facing EIGHT charges for multi-vehicle crash he fled
- Watch the shocking moment Olivia Dunne attempts a tricky gymnastic move and FAILS in practice at LSU
- Tyson Fury outlines plans for his next TEN fights – including two against Anthony Joshua – as Gypsy King sets his sights on becoming undisputed world heavyweight champion and boxing's first billionaire
- New footage emerges showing former Chelsea star and Real Madrid chief irritant Antonio Rudiger appearing to PINCH Jack Grealish during Man City thriller
- Surf legend Mick Fanning reveals his baby joy just days after his brother died in tragic circumstances – and his newborn daughter has a unique name
- Jurgen Klopp has a VERY awkward press conference showdown with Dutch reporter, who he quizzed over Jordan Henderson's 'horrible' interview, as Liverpool boss stands up for his ex-captain
- Masters 2024: Jon Rahm hosts Champions Dinner at Augusta as LIV rebel treats his 34 guests to his grandma's stew and ribeye steak before the action finally gets underway on Thursday
- Logan Paul surprises IShowSpeed with incredible £76k gift after the YouTube star helped him retain his WWE US title by getting RKO'd by Randy Orton at Wrestlemania 40
- Ex-referee Dermot Gallagher backs VAR's decision to award Liverpool a late spot-kick against Man United… as former Reds defender Stephen Warnock slams fans for arguing against the 'stonewall penalty'
- Rachel Daly's girlfriend Sarah Mayling breaks her silence on Lioness hero's shock retirement from international football to 'pass on the baton to the next generation'
- Lewis Hamilton's brother Nicolas opens up on his gambling addiction as he reveals he considered suicide after spiralling into depression and being forced to sell luxury Mercedes gifted by F1 superstar to pay off a bill
- Cristiano Ronaldo posts 'attitude' message on Instagram after being shown a RED CARD for appearing to elbow and stamp on an opponent
- The Grand National: Your guide to horse racing's most famous steeplechase as the four-mile, two and a half furlong course boasts an exhausting 30 fences
- ULTIMATE GRAND NATIONAL GUIDE: Mail Sport's expert gives his verdict on all 34 runners – and the best ones to back – in the biggest race in the world
- Roy Keane blasts Erling Haaland AGAIN and says his 'general play is nowhere NEAR good enough', doubling down on 'League Two' jibe, as Jamie Carragher says Man City star 'doesn't care' about link-up play
- Michael Jennings: NRL backflips and cancels plans to celebrate controversial star's 300th game after his furious ex-wife said the league 'doesn't take women's safety seriously'
- Candice Warner makes shocking revelation about the moment she hit rock bottom over her infamous pub toilet tryst with Sonny Bill Williams: 'It was the hardest part of my life'
- Justin Jefferson admits there's some 'jealousy' at former LSU teammates JaMarr Chase and Joe Burrow playing together in Cincinnati… as Minnesota WR calls Bengals star his 'brother'
- Inter Miami OUT of Champions Cup – and next year's Club World Cup in USA – after 3-1 Monterrey loss as Lionel Messi fails to inspire his team to Mexico victory with David Beckham watching
- The art of buying a penalty: Our experts reveal how Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon do it – and whether Bukayo Saka was robbed