Day One Highlights Golf: The Masters

Maybe... Yes, sir! Got a chance. Yes!

Their riches, can you believe it? What a shot. Incredible. Danny

Willett is the Masters champion. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me

in welcoming and expressing our love and affection to Mrs Arnold Palmer.

APPLAUSE STUDIO: A poignant moment to start

the Masters as Billy Payne accompanied by Arnold Palmer's

widow, Kate, placed his jacket on the chair at the 1st tee. Welcome to

the 2017 Masters. It is a wonderful, but in one respect difficult, day.

For the first time in many, many decades, someone is obviously

missing from the first tee here at Augusta National and the Masters.

The almost unbearable sadness we all feel at the passing of Arnold Palmer

is surpassed only by the love and affection for him, which will for

reside in our hearts I am so happy that this honorary start of ceremony

continues today, as it always will, in the good hands of an old's great

friends, themselves legendary golfers. First on the tee, please

APPLAUSE APPLAUSE

Next on the tee we welcome back our six time, yes, six time Masters

champion. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back Mr Jack

Nicholas. APPLAUSE Well done, well done! Ladies and

gentlemen, the 2017 Masters is now officially begun. Have fun. A very

moving occasion with his great friends Jack and Gary, the remaining

members of golf's big three visibly affected, boasted Arnie's memory

proud today. It's been an emotional and dramatic start. Even as the

ceremony was taking place we still didn't know if the world number one

Dustin Johnson would be fit to play. Because Dustin fell downstairs at

his rental home last night, injured his lower back. The man who's been

on such a hot street of form with three wins in a row this season came

to because early this morning, warmed up rather gingerly, it has to

be said, and indicated he would try to play. He'd been on

anti-inflammatories, ice, had a heat Pack on the back but as the minutes

ticked down to his tea-time, it became clear he was not going to

make that date. The world number one and pretournament favourite walked

away and out of the Masters. Only the second world number one missed

tournament after Tiger Woods in 2014. With Johnson out the

bookmakers quickly installed Jordan Spieth as the new favourite and Rory

McIlroy just behind. Johnson apart everyone else in this field seem to

fit and ready and raring to go it in the first men's major of 2017.

There are a few motions riding, it'll be an amazing experience being

defending champion. Then hopefully we can play some nice golf and be

around all week and enjoy what is going to be a very special occasion.

A massive shot. Fantastic result. I just want to try and do the best job

I can. You've got to make sure you always stay focused, you always

mentally grinding until it's done. I believe I'm at my a game, I feel

that win is anywhere. It's been an up-and-down, mainly up right, at

Augusta National. The idea is to get yourself into contention and be

mentally strong enough to pull through. Jordan Spieth, Masters

champion. 2015. I want to win a green jacket. That would be the same

whether I'm going for a slam, my first major or my temps, I just want

to win the Masters. It would put me in a place in golf history that very

few people have gone for. Rory again attempting to complete the fabled

career grand slam, the green jacket the only price to have eluded him so

far. He had an afternoon appointment at Augusta National, these were some

of the key times on the opening day. 2015 champion and new favourite

Jordan Spieth with Martin Kaymer and Martin Fitzpatrick of England.

Justin Rose had a morning tee time with Jason Day and Brandt Snedeker.

Danny Willett beginning his defence in the company of amiable Matt

Kuchar and new Aussie star Curtis Luck. Henrik Stenson accompanying

2009 green jacket winner Angel Cabrera and English new boy Tyrrell

Hatton. For time major winner Rory McIlroy out with fancied first time

at John Ryan of Spain. That last tee time... Bubba Watson and Jimmy

Walker. After the thunderstorms and torrential rain in the build-up we

had a challenging start. 25 mph winds. Swirling through the pines at

Augusta National. Highs of only 62 degrees. Sandy Lyle is a man for all

seasons, the player with the most Masters starts in this field. 36-1

for the 1998 champion. He was making his experience count at the 3rd to

go 1-under. A lovely start. Andy Sullivan from Nuneaton is one of a

record 11 Englishmen. Missed the cut on his debut last year. A lovely

start to his second campaign. This was his third at the long par-5

second, it would be good enough to take him into red numbers. Scott

Piercy from Las Vegas bogeyed the first. At seven he'd picked up two

shots. Here is another one to go 2-under and into an early lead.

Straight as a dive. Joined quickly by Thomas Pieters. A Ryder Cup star

last year at Hazeltine. Not fazed then and not now. 2-under through

four holes. The ever sharp Rickie Fowler is quietly fancied for major

success by many here. At the 3rd hole, Flowering Peach, the

Californian would slot this one to join the leaders at 2-under par.

Here is where it stands. Scott Piercy, Thomas Pieters and Rickie

Fowler sharing the early limelight. Fred Couples on the 25th anniversary

of his memorable victory here in 1992. The 81st Masters under way and

it's time to say hello to Andrew Cotter, Paul Brown, Paul Azinger and

Peter Alice. COMMENTATOR: Thank you. Martin Kaymer at the 2nd. The long

downhill par-5. Laid up short. Long pitch and run. Firm shot. She goes.

Looks good, looks tidy, looks OK. That's the way to do it. From 1-over

to 1-under. In one fell swoop. Such an easy game. Andy Sullivan for his

birdie on seven. Into red figures. Grobler debut in the Masters last

year, 81-81. Much better here today. Quite tidy card. Back to the second

green, Phil Mickelson, a putt you wouldn't wish on your old granny.

Eight foot of Burrow, got to go over the edge, over the top, down and

round and in. Get out of the way, is on. I don't believe it, I do not

believe it! He's holed it from eagle three and goes 2-under. 47 years of

age and not a Zimmer frame insight! Thomas Pieters, powerful player from

Belgium. First time here at the Masters. Second to the fifth. Fiddly

green, this. They all are. Kindly pin position today, a few kindly pin

positions with the wind up. Beautiful shot from

Pieters. Gently, gently... Tiptoe, tiptoe... In she goes. Justin Rose,

home favourite. 1-under par. He birdied the second, birdied the

fourth, now Thomas Pieters for birdie number three. Just touched it

into the middle and Pieters 3-under par on his Masters debut.

STUDIO: Thomas Pieters at six feet five. The Antwerp man one ahead

playing only his third major tournament. If field of 93 under way

but sadly left behind at the clubhouse, reigning US Open champion

Dustin Johnson. This morning, you know, as you could see, I went out

and tried to hit balls. I can swing may be 70%, was about Macs. It still

hurt. It wasn't the problem, it didn't hurt. The backswing was fine,

I could take it back, it was impact and through impact is where it would

catch. I just felt like I'm not going to be able to compete. What

was the expectation as you walked towards the tee? My heart is in it

and wants to play. The more I thought about it, the more I

literally... I just wasn't going to have any chance. What was it like to

have to make the decision, number one player in the world, you know

how hard you've worked, you've trained the right way to make this

decision? It's unbelievably difficult. This is one of my

favourite tournaments of the year, I feel I'm playing the best golf of my

career right now. For me to pull-out is, I mean, it sucks really bad. I'm

very sad I have to do it, but it's a freak accident. I feel like, you

know, I wanted to play, wanted to try and play, just I'm not going to

be able to compete like this. Very sad he's had to withdraw, but here

we are at the 16th. Russell Henley going along nicely, 2-under par.

This for a birdie. Should come a little bit down to the left.

Everything sort of drops down towards the water. This is to go to

3-under. Keep up, keep up. That was a really durably messy one. But he

stays 2-under par. Just a little tap in. Meticulously. This is why the

game takes five hours. The we are. Another story, that, for another

day. 2-under, Henley. Three-time champion, Mickelson. Eagle on the

second. Chance for birdie on the fourth. Get in, Christ somebody.

Mickelson moves 3-under, how about that for a start? 3-under after

four. A pretty tidy start. Pieters at the 8th, long par-5, all uphill.

Third shot. Pitches it up boldly. How do they do that? Beautiful shot.

Brandt Snedeker, quickfire putter, long way across the long par-3 4th

hole. Tidy enough. A roar from the crowd and salute from Snedeker. But

they shot at the 3rd but get it back in some style at before. Still

whooping and hollering for Snedeker. He does love this place. Back to the

tranquillity of the eighth. Pieters, this to go to 4-under par. Rattled

that one in. 4-under he goes after eight. Leaders this final event in

grand style. -- he leads this final event. Can he keep it going? This is

the Korean born American, James Hahn. He won at Riviera and Quail

Hollow. Not a bad place to Mr down the right-hand side. That is stone

dead, it'll be a birdie - birdie start for James Hahn. Pretty steady

stuff from Paul Casey so far. Dropped a shot at the 1st. Par all

the way since then. Look at that. One for the galleries. Can't believe

his own brilliance. "I Am awesome". That'll be birdie. Back to level

par. Do that again... To the sixth. Mickelson. He missed a putt half

this length on the last. It is a par putt. 2-under at the moment. Hello,

hello, hello. He holes that. 1-under. Big tee shot on the tenth

four Pieters. Such an impressive performance so far in his first trip

to Augusta. Another arrow flies from Pieters. Birdie opportunity coming

up. The defending champion, Danny Willett, coming out from a shady

spot. Moves it through the trees. Looks as though it could be a very

good result. We will eventually find it. Squirted it through. Looks as if

it clipped the trees and stopped. Still in trouble. Short putt, fairly

quick one left for Pieters on the tenth. Fearless on his first

appearance. 5-under after ten holes at Augusta.

Pieters well clear as it stands. More than three shots ahead of

American Billy Hurley III Russell Henley with a very good score today.

Danny Willett defending champion at the 1st hole for a double bogey.

Come on... It's a six. Not the way to start your day. Disses a horrible

hole. Beautiful but horrible, with the wind howling around. Not so

horrible for Andy Sullivan. Flag hanging around there. Should be a

tap in two. The eighth green. Fitzpatrick. 1-over par but this for

birdie. To get back to level. And he does. Well done. Smooth touch on the

greens. One bogey, one birdie, level par.

Perhaps a first little mistake from Thomas Pieters. It is par-4 one

half, this. To save his four. So, first shot dropped for Pieters. To

12, Andy Sullivan, after that beautiful tee shot. Pop sitting,

2-under. Well done, Young sailor. -- well done, young sir. McIlroy

getting ready for his afternoon tee time. One of the very last starters.

Cold out there. Michael Byrne one, his coach, wrapped up warm. It'll be

tough conditions for McIlroy later on. The wind getting up. 12 feet,

Pieters, 4-under, this is the most difficult part of the course to

judge the distance. Over the water. Only 150 yards today. He didn't make

it. 20, 20 five yards short. It must have ballooned into the wind.

Something happened, you can't make a mistake like that, huge mistake. It

was not wind assisted. All greens in regulation so far. Second birdie of

the day for Justin Rose. He really does like this place. A good record

at the Masters. Pieters at 12. This is for five. In she goes with two

shots gone. Back to 2-under par. First taste of Amen Corner for

Thomas Pieters. A rather bitter one. Having had the outright lead, Golden

Bell has bitten him at the infamous 12. As it has done so many other

players in the past. Andy Sullivan alongside Thomas Pieters and Rickie

Fowler, three way leaders on 2-under par. Kevin Chappell. New name. Here

at the 16th. It's on the way. In two and off the left here. Getting

better all the time. Danny Willett at the 3rd, 3-over

par. Little up the hill. He could do with a birdie. He's done it. Double

bogey, bogey, birdie start. 2-over for the defending champion. You'll

be pleased with that. Kevin Chappell here. Follows up that terrific tee

shot with a nice putt, now Kevin Chappell gets 2-under par. Such

tricky conditions on nine, Justin Rose going along nicely. A pretty

rare birdie at nine. He goes out in 34. His preparation for this week

has been absolutely perfect. 2-under after nine. Rory McIlroy here at the

1st. Getting underway. Look at the flags on the scoreboard you can see

the windows into and off his left. -- see the wind is into and off his

left. He's one of few to the bunker here at the 1st. Not a great place

to be. Glorious looking 15th, Rickie Fowler

having a shot at the par-5 two. Among the azaleas. He needs his

fingers crossed or he's in a very awkward spot. Plenty to contemplate.

Jordan Spieth at 12. You wonder what's running through his mind

right now. Had a real disaster here last year. The media will never let

him forget that. A pretty good shot for Jordan. Kind of a mock cheer

from the crowd. Kevin Chappell, slightly disappointing bogey to

finish. But round in 71. There will be many players breaking par today,

so he'll be delighted with that. With his card. 35, 36 for the man

from California. Jordan now for his birdie here at 12. I think last year

Jordan probably reminded a couple of generations of players how dangerous

this 12th hole can be especially on a Sunday. Certainly this hole has

had its toll on a few players today. Pretty nicely judged for Jordan,

it'll be a tap in par. He'll stay level par. At the moment. Pretty

good score through 12 holes. Quite a blustery wind. After finding a

bunker off the tee, Rory has this for his par at the 1st. Despite all

the heavy rain we had last night, the green is pretty quick. Like

many, he's going to start with a bogey. Rickie Fowler, we saw his

second shot go over the green. Probably a pretty good break that he

ended up here. This delicate shot. To a flat. Then down the hill. He is

judged it nicely. Yes. Look at it go. That is a pretty good shot

there, I think, for Rickie Fowler. He'll be happy. I believe he thought

he was in the azaleas after he hit his second shot. Now he's got a

great opportunity at birdie. Sullivan for his par. The 15th.

Par-5. We've seen plenty of drop strokes. Another one going for Andy

Sullivan. Free holes left to play. After playing two terrific shots

here at the 11th, Justin Rose up the hill for birdie. The 11th has taken

its toll on a lot of players today. Justin will be happy to settle for

par here and make his way to that 12th hole. Paul Casey. A delicate

shot required. He jolly well has. What a delightful shot. 36. Couple

of birdies at 13 and 14 move him 1-under par. 11 English players in

the Masters this year. Rickie now for birdie. Yes. He hits those putts

firmly. Going like a rabbit looking for his hole.

Let's look at the old scoreboard, three players tied at the top.

Russell Henley in with 71, as was Kevin Chappell. Not many scores in

the red. A tough day on the links. Andy Sullivan now for par up the

hill at 16. Nothing easy about 16, that's

probably the easiest place to hole can be on this 16th. Spieth, 13th.

Little bit of movement from left to right, this is for his birdie. A

good angle to putt from as well. Marge Nelly up the hill. Back to

business as usual. Nice par at the last. Second, first, second in his

only three Masters. Unbelievably impressive. To the 16th. Thomas

Pieters. -5 through ten. Slipped up a bit. It did in the water at 12. He

fares quite a bit better here. Come that going actually? Not quite, but

a terrific shot. For Thomas Pieters. Never much brake on this 12th green,

the flatter stomach of course. Rose has this to save his par. That pays

can he couldn't leave the hole. -- at that pace. Not a bad miss, beyond

the flag at the 14th. We saw Casey chipping in earlier from here. He's

done it again. The little Englishman with a tidy game. How about that?

2-under, tied for the lead. Seems to be getting stronger. The flag

rattling around. Justin Rose Amber Hill here at 13. Unbelievably fast

putt. Just barely touched it. Yes. Perfect speed from Justin Rose. Nice

birdie here at 13. Little bounce back after the missed short putt at

12. Well done. Chance to get to 1-under. What a delightful way to

finish. Three up the 18th Andy Sullivan. He's been struggling for

form, working so hard and he's been rewarded with an opening round in

the red. Well done. 71. Now the Irishman, Shane Lowry, for

birdie. Up the hill and back down. He has

got it. The fifth is one of the more difficult holes on the course. No

cars yet. Jordan Spieth at the 15th with his third shot. Difficult with

a downhill lie. Look at that! Is it fair? He is not best pleased at this

moment. Playing up for five. This is Fitzpatrick's bird to the 15th,

playing alongside Jordan Spieth. -- third. That does not look too good.

He has got away with it nicely. Chance for a birdie. He did not like

it but he escaped. William McGirt with a long putt.

Very good. Boom, fist pump! Co-leader now. Jordan Spieth having

another go to get over the water. Number five coming up. Is that a bit

heavy? Oh, my good God! On the back and shot over. Well, now. That is

five. He could save himself double figures. Pieters for Park on the

18th. -- par. Yikes! Went off in his hand. A birdie putt for young

Matthew Fitzpatrick. A particular from right to left. Coming down,

well done! And old head on young shoulders. 3-under par. He leads the

tournament. He will want to be doing that Sunday night. Peter is coming

to finish off at the 18th. -- Pieters. Take your time. A very

exposed part of the course. That is a double bogey to finish. A real

shame. A great round going for so long. Jordan Spieth, here he is at

the 15th. Over the back of the green for the bliss for a triple bogey.

That will not make it. That will not be back on your heels. Wow!

Wow, indeed. The neutron and favourite, Spieth, had threatened to

tear it up this year. -- new tournament favourite. That has

dropped in way back to four over-par. Fitzpatrick is one shot

ahead of Justin Rose and William McGirt.

Andy, 71 to start off this year's tournament. How good was that? Just

went round the corner and tried to pick a few off. Anything around

level par and under-par is a hell of a school today. How much did

conditions change? Not too much. It was gusting pretty good on the first

day. I do not think I had hit that far into the first. It has not

changed too much to the have probably got stronger. To get off

there in 1-under was awesome, to be fair. After last year and will debut

at the Masters, how pleased with you to show your true colours? It is

nice to step onto the first Ticos to just hit my shots and play golf full

it is most get over the rookie mentality. Having a bit more

experience, it went well today. I look forward to seeing that

tomorrow. Shane Lowry, a lovely sound. He is it that one. You little

beauty! That is just exquisite. It drifted around. He is a delightful

picture and chipper. A nice one. At the 16th, Mickelson for douce. That

was a brave man's putt. 1-under. Nice birdie at the 13th and another

at the 16th. This looks like Garcia in a very natty top. Finds the

bottom of the Cup. Maybe it is his turn. A neat, tidy card. One after

eight. McGirt at the 16th. Willie McGirt. 6-iron. The pin in a

pleasant spot, just to the right. Comes of the bank. We'll down? Yes.

Back would be very nice. Look out coal! -- hole.

The third shot of Jason Dufner. Not trying to spin it too much. Just a

bit of grab and he does it just right. The third at the 13th.

McGirt, whose tee shot very nearly found the bottom of the Cup. This

bought a two at the 16th, to shared the lead. He has nudged it into the

centre of the Cup very confidently. He hit a terrible tee shot. Lucky to

get it here in two. That could go back all the way.

He is making a Horlicks of this, Mr Fitzpatrick, on the final hole.

Caused by a dreadful tee shot. Scuttling into the trees on the

left. It will cost him dear. Dufner for a birdie at the 13th. Nicely,

nicely. Two under. Fitzpatrick at the 18th. Fourth shot, a long putt

up the hill. Got to hit it hard. Up she comes. That was a good effort.

Tales of the way four feet, 4.5 feet. Don't waste all that good

stuff with one hole! Rarm at the 8th. A man in top form on his rookie

season. A nice angle for that putt. Not too much slope. This bought a

five. Six. It will be a six. Be careful how you put that back. He

marks it with a dustbin lid beside of it but that is OK. Six at the

last. All caused by a very poor drive. A pity. A very good round.

Just dented by a six at the last. What is shameful Matthew

Fitzpatrick! Still only 22. His third appearance in Augusta. He is a

World Tour champion. That has put him into the pack at 1-under par.

William McGirt, this is the journeymen who is making good on his

Augusta debut. Phil Mickelson also lurking. Just above him is

Fitzpatrick. I wonder what his thoughts will be after that rather

awkward finish. Walking off with a double bogey,

what were the emotions like? Not how you would like to win the round.

Just one of those things. I will try to make up tomorrow.

Justin Rose for a par at the 17th. He is on the high side for of it is

one of those days when you think you can get a four. Every hole is

possible trouble. You have got to keep a clear head and play very

conservatively. Attack and defend. It is a defensive day.

Will he continue or will he spoil it with a birdie, Jon Rahm? Towards the

hole and he has done it. Jason Dufner, second to the really long

14th hole will stop the hole has cut all the way in the back left portion

of the green. That is a nice shot. Defending champion Danny Willett at

the 13th, two over-par. This could even things up if it goes in. That

is a three on the par well done! -- on the par-5. The goal is to get it

on the right level. A semi-blind shot.

Oh, yeah. One of the best of the day.

Jason Dufner at the 14th. A beautiful second. This bought a

three. Short, quick and in. Birdie, bogey. Bogey, birdie. The

list goes on and on. He is doing well. Up to the 18th. Justin Rose

finishing off after that beautiful second shot. A fine drive. A good

second. Keep it within the boundaries of the hole. Nice and

firm. Head still. In she goes. 1-under. One of the best schools so

far today. Henley, Sullivan, Fitzpatrick and now Justin Rose.

Well played! What a lovely view from this camera! It looks so simple.

Nudge one into the air. That is exactly what Charlie has done. Just

tee it up and knock it on. McGirt missed badly to the left here at 18.

He is on 3-under par at the moment. Straight downwind. That is

beautifully played. Just goes that extra couple of feet. To be the

clubhouse leader at 3-under par. Everyone is talking about how

difficult the weather is for the players. As you approach it? You

have to accept it first and foremost was we did know it was coming. It is

nice to know there is some respite this weekend. It is about getting to

the weekend in a decent position. All I really worked on today was

commitment. Playing with a lot of heart and committing to every shot.

William McGirt would be the only player to break 70 so far today if

he can make this. Dead centre. Well done! What a start for William

McGirt! Back to 15 and Jason Dufner for par.

We have seen some train wrecks here today. Jordan Spieth made nine at

the 15th early. That will be a drop for Dufner. Go back to two

under-par. We wondered if anybody would break 70 today. Charley

Hoffman still out on the course doing well. That may well be a

leading school come the end of the day. Your first competitive round at

Augusta and you other first man to break into this year. How good does

that feel? Very. The only time you break 70 is great and in these

conditions it is really good. Charlie Hoffman on the 12th. A

beautiful to shot. A chance for him to join McGirt at the top of the

board. That was judged absolutely perfectly. Not much noise will stop

the crowd realises they are a distant way. The joint lead will

Charlie Hoffman alongside William McGirt. Rory McIlroy's bird. This is

absolutely magnificent this shot. I cannot imagine how good that is

unless you have been here. -- you cannot imagine. At the 14th, tapped

in the back left corner. An awkward spot for Charlie Hoffman. Not the

greatest of lies. That really is marvellous. You get that grip on it

in the breeze. It is one of the best. If it trickled down, it should

not go all the way down the green. Stop.

Another birdie opportunity for Ernie Els here at 17. That will be two in

a row. All of a sudden, Ernie else in the mix with three straight

bogeys. What the beautiful scorecard here!

Hoffman and a birdie four Hoffman on the 14th. Hoffman now leads the

Masters on his own. A great save on the 13th and wonderful second on the

14th. Spun away a bit and he is out in front. Shane Lowry and the chance

to join the leaders here. Not to be with eagle but he will

move to two under-par. Find boundaries he is putting together.

He has moved to some errant foliage. Birdied the second, the fourth, the

fifth, the eighth, and the 13th now. Just one behind the leaders. Hoffman

at the top of the hill with his third shot a long way back. Our

leader stays. Very low with a lot of backspin. He is on dry land. Down

the little slope for Lee Westwood. It is quick. Will it get there? It

is with ease. It is such a pleasure to see it trickled down in the

centre of the Cup. Two over four Westwood. A little uphill, a little

bit of movement from right to left for Charlie Hoffman.

He is looking very good. Absolutely in the heart of the Cup. This is an

exceptional round under very tricky conditions. We are starting to see

one or two more birdies in the last five minutes or so. Here is Rory

McIlroy with a tickle down the hill. It drops will stop he has had about

four, five of those, just to keep him in the hunt. A great round so

far from Charlie Hoffman. He has had birdies at the 6th, ninth, eighth,

12th, 14th and 15th. We have seen him at Augusta before. He was tied

ninth overall and he showed his mettle on the closing weekend. He

leads by two on day one of the Masters. Charlie Hoffman, 5-under,

our leader. And another cracking shot from

Charles. Remember when he used to wear his hair long like Marilyn

Monroe. You quite fancied him. In a certain light, yes. After two

splendid shots, found the 15th green. He has done it. It was a

well-deserved birdie. Get his head still long enough. Our leader at the

16th after that superb tee shot. Just give it a little nudge and in

she goes. Charley Hoffman striding away with it. Rory McIlroy and his

third shot here at 15. This is a small target. That is a fantastic

shot. Here is Lee Westwood, having moved

to the 16th tee. Three pars for 72. He has played some very good rounds

on this course. How about that for eight cracking shot ex-commission

might you do not see many coming from that side. Our leader at the

17th. -- a cracking shot! He is making a mockery of the cause under

these treacherous conditions. Rory McIlroy at the 15th and along,

downhill putt at four. It is good. Would you believe it? His parting

has been a one OK today. He has been wild and wayward and a bit unhappy

chimes. -- times. Come along, Lee Westwood. You can do it and he has.

Well done indeed. That is a great run.

Our leader, Charley Hoffman, for yet another birdie. It is a birdie

first. Five in a row. Look at that! Four in a row and five in this nine.

Quite extraordinary. Rory McIlroy at the 16th, 7-iron. Not a big one, I

don't think. A punchy one. And it is a gem. I thought it was a

hole-in-one. They don't give such vulgar things as prizes for holes in

one. A nice tee shot. He has got it nicely. Putting uphill. Hoffman from

the light rough here at the 18th. What a terrific bounce! Like he was

in the sand and another birdie opportunity for Charley Hoffman.

Here we are on the 17th hole and Lee Westwood for his 15th straight

birdie. A really slow at. Has he hit it? Yes. Westwood making a move.

Now, Rory McIlroy, that was a dribbler from his partner. This is a

little firm one inside the left lip. Yes. This has been an extraordinary

one from Marco Reus. He has played some very untidy stuff. -- Rory

McIlroy. If he keeps it going he will get down in under-par. Charley

Hoffman, can he do it? This to go 8-under par. Come along, come along,

come along. Oh, Charlie! You were robbed. You were robbed, Charlie.

What a great round! Fantastic. Fantastic round of golf.

A couple of bogeys going out. 34. Look at that inward nine. Four in a

row. Five in all. Happy days are here again. Charley Hoffman, what

the show he has put on today! Eats his career-best by two shots. Now a

four shot lead at the top of the board. How did you feel walking off

18 having shot 65 to start this year's masters? Excited. Any time

you need a Masters is unbelievable. I got three rounds of play. And

number label feeling going up the 18th hole. Pretty happy with the way

I played and it is a good feeling. It has been a late show from Lee

Westwood. Look at that! He secured par for a round of 72 under-par. A

100-1 shot and he looks very good value. I said on the range to

somebody that 1-under par would be a fantastic score. Just waiting for

something to happen. If I had got in 3-over par and so making five

birdies in a row has been marvellous. Bubba Watson handed up

some magic with a pink version. This is what you call a par save.

And a biting finish from the world number two. Rory McIlroy, having

been 3-under par, that is a level par start. The four time major

winner seeking a first green jacket and with it a career grand slam. He

is not out of it. You have spoken in the past about stress levels. You

have used one or two choice words. Is it fair to say you are less

stressed this time around and more relaxed? A little bit. I will have

to realise I have so many chances at this tournament. It is the one I

need. Everyone keeps reminding me. The more I can come into this event

relaxed, and in a better frame of mind, I know that I will play better

out there. That showed a little bit today. Stay relaxed. I will try.

Thank you. A wild day the weather and storylines amidst 40 mph gusts.

It is the toughest Augusta has played in a decade. Charley Hoffman

is only the third player in history to birdie all four par threes. He

has a four shot lead. Since 2005, no one has come from outside the top

ten after round one to win. Rory McIlroy amongst those hoping to

change all of that. Radio five Live are up and running this evening with

coverage of round to. We will have highlights on BBC Two at 1pm. No

distractions because we have live coverage for the whole of the

weekend was my day. Uninterrupted coverage starting at 7:30 p.m..

So, we began the day talking about the world number one. We ended

incomplete admiration for the man ranked 51 places below him. Charley

Hoffman owns the largest first round lead in over 60 years. What a day!

See you soon. Hello! And a very warm welcome to

the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. With performances from Ry Cooder,

Al Stewart,