The Masters 2017: Video highlights from Round 1
By John Buhler
American Charley Hoffman has a four-stroke lead through Round 1 of the 2017 Masters. Here are the highlights from the first day at Augusta National.
Round 1 of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia is in the books. Overall, it was a tough day for the field. Only 11 golfers shot under par in Round 1. Thursday was a wet and windy one in Augusta National, but three guys stood out above the rest.
Leading the way was American Charley Hoffman with a ridiculous 65 (-7) in Round 1. After the eighth hole, Hoffman caught on fire. At one point, he made a birdie on five straight holes (12-16). Hoffman holds a comfortable four-stroke lead heading into Round 2.
In second place is American William McGirt. He shot a 69 (-3) in Round 1. McGirt had four birdies (2, 5, 13, 16) and only one bogey (3). Before Hoffman erupted on the back-nine, McGirt was largely in control on the field in Round 1.
Englishman Lee Westwood had a great ending to his Round 1. Westwood had a bit of a rough patch mid-way through the course, but sank back-to-back birdies on 16 and 17 to finish Round 1 with a 70 (-2). He is the biggest name atop the leader board.
Other notable golfers that shot under par in Round 1 were American Phil Mickelson (-1), American Jason Dufner (-1), and Spaniard Sergio Garcia (-1). Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy shot ever par. 2016 Masters Champion Danny Willet was one over, as was American Rickie Fowler. 2012 and 2014 Masters Champion Bubba Watson shot two over. 2015 Masters Champion Jordan Spieth shot three over thanks to a quadruple birdie on the back-nine.
Here are the highlights from Round 1 at Augusta National.
Essentially, Hoffman has a massive lead that he may or may not relinquish. Golfers tend to get a better feel for Augusta National as the tournament progresses. We can also expect a regression to the mean with Hoffman tomorrow. He’s not going to shoot five straight birdies on the back-nine to go up by an additional five strokes on the field.
Next: 5 best moments in Masters history
Hopefully the weather is better in Augusta through the rest of the weekend. If the conditions don’t improve, then expect a sloppy, low-scoring Masters Tournament. Nobody wants that because this is The Masters and the weather is supposed to be incredible.