Spieth has composed himself very well early on, 4-under through 11 holes, putter working quite well today. Tricky conditions, swirling winds, maybe the benefactor of an early tee time on the opening day with winds expected to become more of an issue in the afternoon. Quite impressive, but still 7 more holes to play.

Bryson DeChambeau is likewise handling his first Masters showing quite well. Mickelson said earlier in the week that Bryson is a very talented player who should enjoy a good career, and it looks like he wasn't just being complimentary out of niceties. The kid has been pretty impressive this morning, doesn't seem intimidated whatsoever.

Paul Casey is feeding off of Jordan's fumes, having a good first few hours of play. Jordan plays well with Englishmen in majors, it seems. And just about every other nationality on the planet for that matter.

Fowler is hemorrhaging blood everywhere. It has not been a good day for him, and unless he can turn things around - Augusta National will make quick work of his first major this season.

The live online telecast via Masters.com is exceptional, btw. Very enjoyable way to get in some early coverage.

It's been a long time since I've seen Rickie Fowler hit the wayward shots he's hit today. There just isn't any noticeable control, his swing looks completely disconnected, utterly lost mentally... not a day that he anticipated, but a day that he's not dealing with too well nonetheless.

And although I am very much a fan of Jordan Spieth, I must say that it's frustrating to note just how much time it's taking him to play. Zach Johnson is anything but a speed demon, and Fowler is struggling greatly, both of those guys playing together in the group ahead... Spieth's group is 2 holes behind, and not in much of a rush despite that.

The thing about Augusta National is that in calm conditions, no wind, soft greens - it's a very gettable golf course for those guys. But you add 10-15 mph winds, swirling from one direction one second to another direction the next, it takes on an entirely different challenge.

Zach Johnson is one of the better iron players/wedge players/putters in the field, and he's found himself in quite a few quandaries today despite the softer conditions.

If Jordan can get in the house at 5-under, it will have been an excellent round, an excellent back-nine. The premium on second shots here, with both accuracy and distance control, just cannot be overlooked.

Fowler must have had a fight with his woman, a la McIlroy.
He's somewhere else today.

Spieth is irritating to watch.
Slow as molasses and jittery as well.
No mention of being on the clock either.

What happened to Els on the first hole?
He took a 10?

    Spuzz

    Ouch! Sorry, Ernie... it doesn't get any easier.

    Maybe he's trying to make Fowler feel better about his opening round of 80. Hard to imagine that a penalty of some sort wasn't involved with Els' opening hole.

      Spieth's par on 16... another indicator that he's got his putter working. Not sure what tomorrow brings, but he's looking like the Jordan of old.

      Casey showing some fight too with the birdie on 16 to Jordan's par. Casey @ -4, Jordan @ -5.

      Excellent golf between those two jamokes.

      Don't look now, but Day is 3-under through 5.

      I guess he didn't get Chamblee's Wednesday evening memo that he's not accurate enough with his irons to win this thing.

      Of course, it is only the midway point through the opening round, but still a very stupid comment by Brandel...

      Brandel tries too hard to create controversy.
      He forgot Jason Day is a good wind player and a good putter as well.

      Spieth is scrambling his ass off today.
      He will need to be better as Augusta is usually rude to guys who play like that eventually.

      Bubba off to the races as well.

        So a seven putts for a 10 for Els is how he did it.
        His putting is mental and he's slowly been losing it the last two years.
        Doubt you see him on the Senior's tour, imo.

        It's not like Jordan has missed many shots. Not sure he can be much better, as he's left the ball off his second shots precisely where needed, if not on the green.

        Day might get to 6-under, but he'll have to play some great golf. Otherwise I don't see anyone galloping ahead of 5-under. All things considered - Spieth has pretty much stuck to a successful template that is very familiar from last year. And about a 10-footer to get to 6-under on the 18th awaits...

        Of course, tomorrow's a different day. 🙂

        Poor Ernie... still has a top-10 swing, but the putting prowess of someone like me. 🙁

        Jordan makes his 6th birdie at the 18th, no bogeys... Nice little 66 today.

        It's not like Jordan has missed many shots.

        He's been a foot or two from having no shot other than a punch out on 3? occasions and was lucky his ball didn't go in the water at 11, so he's gotten some breaks along with making clutch putts.
        He's not in the same form as last year..yet.

        LOL
        Lousy accuracy on Day's approach at 9.

        Spuzz Bubba off to the races as well

        Bubba's a toolbag. Birdies the par 5, but sucks everywhere else. I think I heard him bitching at his caddie on #12 when he jacked one over the green, saying, "Pitching wedge, huh!?"

        I'd last about 30 minutes as his caddie. Just want to punch him in that smart mouth of his. Shut up Bubba! I can't hit the shot for you dumbass!

          Bubba reminds me of a guy in my weekend group. If he's playing decently - nicest guy in the world. If he's not - tough to play alongside with.

          I'm surprised that the scoring hasn't been a tad better. The wind hasn't been quite as bad as the forecast initially predicted. Some of these guys (including Phil) have let a reasonably fair scoring day get away from them. Then again, just being out of position the slightest degree around those greens makes par no sure thing.

          PA-PLAYA This is why you don't let ESPN anywhere near golf coverage. Els posted a 9 on #1 with 6 putts. Not a 10!!! Check the scorecard ESPN!