Play is under way under sunny skies and strong winds at Augusta

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Play got underway on time this morning at 8am (EST) after a emotional, poignant traditional ceremonial drives by Jack Nicklaus and a tearful Gary Player in tribute to their great pal, Arnold Palmer. Jack doffed his hat skyward, and chairman Billy Payne gave a touching speech to the legend who's wife Kit stood by his side, along with an empty chair draped in Arnie's Green jacket.

Skies are clear, it's sunny but the main concern for the players will be the wind, which was at 15kph at 9am but will be blowing at nearly 35kph for the later starts.

The first hole is right into the teeth of the breeze with a back right pin position, and there were already 3 triple bogey's by 10 o'clock.

The wind is expected to blow harder in the morning on Friday so the late starts today who go out early on Friday may get the worst of the draw. They include favourites like Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson.

Jordan Spieth has been 1st, 2nd and 2nd in his 3 starts and he is out at 10.34 with Martin Kaymer and Matthew Fitzpatrick so they may not get the stiffest of the breeze until the closing holes.

It will be cool and breezy for the first two rounds, but for those who make the weekend it is set to warm up considerably as the winds subside. Only seven players are under par so far on a day where E 72 will have you near the top of the board. The highest winning score is +1 289.

Canadians: Mike Weir is +3 thru 8, Adam Hadwin bounced back from a bogey bogey start with birdies at 3 and 4 and is a E thru 5. MacKenzie Hughes is off at 12.57.


Note: here is the latest on the status of tournament favourite and world #1 Dustin Johnson who fell awkwardly yesterday hurting his lower back at his rented home.

Johnson’s trainer Joey Diovisalvi has said that the world number one is “going to do everything [he] can to go out and play” despite his injury.

He told Golf Digest: “We got him to the point where he got mobility. He was up and moving around and definitely going in the right direction. He was very much in an under-control point going to bed last night. He was walking around, a lot more mobility, took a couple of practice swings slowly without a club.”

Earlier this morning Dr Ara Suppiah, PGA Tour Golf doctor, gave Golf Channel an update on Johnson’s treatment
“The main goal was to control the pain overnight to minimise stiffness and avoid spasms this morning.The team acted very quickly, which makes a huge difference in getting control of the situation and prognosis"

Johnson’s medical team have reportedly seen progress in his condition throughout the evening and this morning.

Bryan Angus