Stories
Behind the first-round numbers at the Masters
Now for a little of this and a dash of that regarding numbers from the opening round of the Masters on Thursday.
Babineau: Top guns stumble on Day 1
Jeff Babineau: The game's top guns - Mickelson, Woods, McIlroy and Donald - all stumbled out of the gate. That and other observations from Thursday at Augusta National . . .
Vegas likes Westwood's chances in Masters
Englishman Lee Westwood, the first-round leader at the Masters, has been installed by Las Vegas oddsmakers as the favorite.
Dufner quickly becoming a sure bet on Tour
Jim McCabe: Jason Dufner put in plenty of work ahead of the Masters, and it paid off in a major way with a 3-under 69 that left him two shots off the lead.
5 Things: Westwood takes one-shot lead
5 Things: Lee Westwood overcame tough hole locations to take a one-shot lead into the second round, while Rory McIlroy made some late noise.
Masters Tracker: Round 1 from Augusta
It's Thursday at Augusta National and Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player have officially kicked off the tournament. Stay up-to-date with news at Augusta with our Masters Tracker.
Rude: Tiger escapes a 'loose' first round
Jeff Rude: Tiger Woods hit the ball all over the course on Thursday, and somehow managed to shoot 72. That 'might have won him the tournament,' says a certain former coach.
Notes: Jimenez succeeds in Tiger's shadow
Miguel Angel Jimenez shines in Tiger's shadow, while early-week storms created a soggy Augusta National, but the greens are holding off the low scores some players predicted. Notes
Stenson's 18th a tale of Augusta horror
Augusta National's 18th hole was a nightmarish experience for Henrik Stenson in Round 1.
The annual Achie Awards: Masters Round 1
Phil Mickelson was the recipient of two first-round awards from James Achenbach. One was admirable, the other dubious.
Amateur hour: Cantlay, Matsuyama impress
Patrick Cantlay and Hideki Matsuyama are from opposite ends of the world, but on Thursday, they both impressed the world that is the Masters. Sean Martin
Lawrie posts two eagles in opening round
Despite a recent bout of bronchitis, Paul Lawrie, in his first Masters appearance since 2004, jumped into the early mix with two eagles during Thursday's opening round.
Clark shakes off the rust with 73 at Augusta
Augusta National is hardly the place to bring a rusty game, but on a wet Masters Thursday, Tim Clark was happy to be in the field. Jim McCabe explains why an opening 73 made Clark smile.
Rater's notebook: Conestoga Golf Club
Conestoga turns stark desert terrain into strategic test. Rater's notebook
Notebook: Cowboys must rustle up strong finish
Because of the .500 rule in men's golf, Sean Einhaus and his Oklahoma State teammates are in jeopardy of missing NCAA postseason. College notebook
O'Meara WDs with ailing back, ribs
Mark O’Meara, the 1998 Masters champion, withdrew from the 76th Masters with an injury to his back and ribs.
Achenbach: Big Three recapture Masters glory
James Achenbach: The Big Three not only kickstarted the Masters on Thursday but continue to recapture true Masters glory.
Augusta’s greens: Secrets to magic carpet ride
Bradley Klein: The rain has taken some of the bite out of Augusta National’s notoriously tricky greens. But the course's SubAir equipment might bring some of that bite back.
Video: Foley talks Tiger, winning, Masters
Instructor Sean Foley has had a great two months, with three of his clients winning - Tiger Woods, Hunter Mahan and Justin Rose. An interview with the game's hottest teacher . . .
