Day 1 of The Masters offered plenty of interesting play. Some of the biggest stars are right there at the top of the leaderboard, and some seem to already have played their way out of the tournemant.
Here are my reflections after the first day of play in Augusta.
Rory McIlroy recorded his best first round since 2011. 2011 was the year were he held the lead going into the back nine, but famously lost the tournament left of the 10th fairway. It would take him 14 years to finally put that green jacket over his shoulders, but now that he has done so the demons seem to leave him alone. The Northern irishman is tied for the lead with American Sam Burns.
Bogeys at 17th and 18th saw Justin Rose drop down a few spots the leaderboard. However, the Englishman who has led The Masters through more rounds than any other non-winning player, is up among the top contenders once more, and acts as living proof of how much experience means at Augusta National.
In form Scotsman Robert MacIntyre showed exactly how not to play Augusta, especially on the 15th hole. Course got the better of him and his temper, and eventually 80 strokes were noted in the scorecard. You can't win a tournament on a Thursday – but you can lose it.
Another in form player, American Cam Young, had a very rough front nine 40. However, The Players Champion showed patience and resilience, and brought the score back to 73. Not a perfect start, but still in the tournament. Last player who had a first round over par before going on to winning. Rory McIlroy last year. It happens more often than one may think.
One stroke back of Young we find to of the big favorites heading into The Masters. Both Ryder Cup stars, Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick, recorded 74 shots on Thursday. Åberg after being three under par early in his round, while Fitzpatrick never really found his gear. Åberg's collapse started on 10 with a double-bogey and peaked with a chip into the water on 13th. The fact that he was six over par between hole 9 and 13 showcases exactly how difficult Augusta National and especially The Amen Corner can be if you get off on the wrong foot.
Bryson Dechambeau shot 76. His biggest hick up was failing twice to get out of the bunker on hole 11.
We finish of with the greatest disappointment of them all. For former champion Jon Rahm much of the preview was about what the DP World Tour should do to get him back on their tour and what it would mean for them not having a Masters Champion being part of the European Ryder Cup team. The Spaniard also came into Augusta in red hot form, leading the LIV League order of merit. Looking at strokes gained, one could even claim he was the player in the best shape to win this year's green jacket. Expectations were high to say the least, however, as it stands, it looks like Rahm already after one round has played his way out of the tournament, being a massive 11 strokes behind the leaders.
Ah, you thought I forgot the world number 1? Don't worry. With eagle-birdie on holes 2 and 3, Scottie Scheffler got just the dream start he needed given his recent struggles of the tee. He dropped a shot on 11 and eventually signed off for a 70. It may not be what he hoped for after having played three holes, but it gives him a great position going into the weekend. Ones who follow professional golf regularly are very aware it might even be easier to come from behind.