Masters 2016: The day at Augusta

Highlight of the day: A great day for the players this side of the pond. Jordan Spieth will dominate the headlines but Shane Lowry leads a host of British and Irish players primed for a challenge.

With Sergio Garcia and Soren Kjeldsen also in the frame, could we see a first European victory since Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999? They’ll have to get past Jordan first.

Best shot: Justin Rose’s breaking downhill putt on 10, which swung violently left to right but never looked anywhere else but the hole, was just brilliant.

Watch @JustinRose99 make a breaking, downhill birdie putt on No. 10 to move to 3-under par. #themastershttps://t.co/2JyXp23cVR

— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 7, 2016

Worst shots: Ernie Els’ horrors on the opening hole, with six putts from no more than six feet, was painful to watch – frustration and desperation rolled into one.

But Jason Day had an 8-iron in his hands on the 16^th and found the water. The treble that followed saw him crash down the leaderboard. Front nine 31, back nine 41. No more needs to be said.

Talking point: What more can they do to protect Augusta National? It doesn’t matter how many yards they try to lengthen the 13^th, tournament chiefs are still going to be handing out a bunch of crystal goblets each year.

Three eagles and 33 birdies, only the 2nd hole played easier on the opening day.

We are surprised by: Bubba Watson’s back nine meltdown.

Even numbered years have been kind to the American at Augusta recently but, after being -3 standing on the 9^th, five bogeys and a double have probably ended his chances.

We are not surprised by: Six birdies, no bogeys, a 66 and right at the top of the leaderboard. Jordan Spieth is tailor-made for Augusta. Shall we just measure him up now?

Worst outfit: If you are going to wear high-tops and bright clothes then bring your A-game.

This glow-in-the-dark number, with white belt and trousers, meant there was no hiding place for Rickie Fowler during his sobering 80.

A treble at 13, a double at 16, it all went wrong for the American. It started when he opened his wardrobe.

Commentary highlights

“JP (Rory’s caddie) once caddied for Paul McGinley. He came out with a boiler suit and said to Paul ‘how do I look?’ Paul said ‘like a bride on her wedding day’. Beautiful words.” – Ewen Murray.

The number of times Butch Harmon could get the word ‘patrons’ into a single sentence. It was a lot.

Best tweet

They’re going to build my statue right there, Michael. pic.twitter.com/F1a0JObqiM

— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) April 7, 2016

Read more

• Masters 2016: Despite yips Ernie Els proves he is a true champion
• Masters 2016: Els yips re-emerge in opening nine and Spieth on the clock
• Masters 2016: Pictures from day one