Augusta: Reigning British Open champion Jordan Spieth birdied five holes in a row on the back nine to seize a two-stroke lead after Thursday’s opening round of the 82nd Masters.
The 24-year-old American, who also won the 2015 Masters and US Open titles for three total career majors, fired a six-under par 66 at Augusta National after birdies from the par-5 13th through the par-4 17th, although a closing bogey trimmed his final margin over the field.
Compatriots Matt Kuchar and Tony Finau shared second on 68, Finau doing so after needing an MRI Thursday morning on his left ankle before he was certain of making his first Masters start.
Finau suffered a partial dislocation of his left ankle celebrating an ace in Wednesday’s Par-3 Contest.
Sharing fourth on 69 were China’s Li Haotong, Canada’s Adam Hadwin, Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, Spain’s Rafael Cabrera Bello, Americans Patrick Reed and Charley Hoffman and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy - who can complete a career Grand Slam with a victory.
Four-time champion Tiger Woods carded a one-over par 73 in his first Masters appearance in three years.
