US Masters: Thursday round-up

• Friday, 10 April 2009
• Alex Narey
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Chad Campbell: first-round leader

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Chad Campbell shot a seven-under-par 65 to seize the opening-round lead in the US Masters. It was day of low scores at Augusta National as conditions made for the best scoring average in the opening round since 1992.

Ryder Cupper Campbell opened his day in staggering fashion, recording five birdies on the spin. He maintained his run of form on the back nine, birdying 12, 13, 14 and 15. Had it not been for bogeys at 17 and 18, the Texan would have equalled the course record of 63 held by Greg Norman (1996) and Nick Price (1986).

In a fairly sombre round, Tiger Woods struggled to make inroads into the lead with a series of missed putts, and was even par until birdies on 13, 14 and 15 threw him back into the mix.

However, a disappointing bogey on the 18th saw the World No.1 finish five shots off the pace with a two-under-par 70. Despite this, it remains equal to his best-ever first round at Augusta.

“We’ve got a long way to go,” Woods said. “You’ve just got to stay patient. I just didn’t make any putts.”

Speaking after his round, Campbell said: “I’m obviously happy with the lead, but definitely not with finishing the round with two bogeys. It kind of leaves a bit of a sour taste in your mouth.

“I feel like I am playing well, but I have to keep it going. There is still a lot of golf to be played.”

Fellow Americans Jim Furyk and Hunter Mahan sit a shot back on six-under, while Shingo Katayama finished with a 67 on five-under.

In a day where Greg Norman made his return to Augusta for the first time since 2002, the Great White Shark posted a steady and fluent 70 for two-under. But he was upstaged by fellow veteran and one-time Augusta nemesis, Larry Mize, who beat the Australian in a play-off in 1987. Local hero Mize finished on five-under to the thrill of his local Georgia support.

From the European contingent, Ross Fisher led the way with a 69 three-under-par, along with Padraig Harrington. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy carded an even par 72.

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