Jason Day, Min Woo Lee and a scrambling Cameron Smith have given themselves a Masters probability however defending champion Scottie Scheffler looms giant once more at Augusta Nationwide.
Australian hope Smith holed a protracted birdie putt on the 18th to card a one-under-par 71 in Thursday’s opening spherical, a satisfying finale to what he feared was going to be a “lengthy day” after hitting simply six greens in regulation.
In distinction, Day barely missed a goal as he parred his first 11 holes earlier than back-to-back birdies helped him end with a two-under 70.
Lee (71) blended grit and brilliance in his first occasion since successful a maiden PGA Tour title.
His birdie putt on the final lipped out as he matched Smith to complete one beneath.
Canada’s Corey Conners was the early clubhouse chief at 4 beneath earlier than world No.1 Scheffler drained two lengthy birdie putts to card a bogey-free 68 and be a part of him.
British pair Tyrrell Hatton (69) and Aaron Rai (70) had been additionally within the prime 10 whereas fast-starting countryman Justin Rose was six-under with 5 holes to play.
World No.2 Rory McIlroy birdied the ninth to maneuver to three-under as his cost to a profession grand slam – and the tantalising prospect of a Scheffler shoot-out – gathered tempo.
“I’m undoubtedly coming in beneath the radar,” former world No.1 Day stated.
“I’m to not the purpose of how Scottie has been enjoying, how Rory has been enjoying, a number of the different guys.
“I really feel very simply snug with the place my sport is at proper now.
“I’ve simply acquired to do some work on the greens. Hopefully some extra putts drop.”
Lee overshot his method to the primary and dropped a shot that he instantly cancelled out on the second gap.
He was one-under on the flip after which scrambled properly on the par-four eleventh when his obstructed second shot sprayed proper, narrowly lacking newly-planted pines.
With the wind anticipated to choose up on Friday, Day had a warning of types for highly effective protege Lee.
“It’s very, very simple to form of push and begin being aggressive, and you can not do this round right here,” he stated.
“You’ve simply acquired to only ease your manner into it and simply hopefully you achieve some momentum.
“You may’t overpower this golf course.”
Lee, who battled the flu and a damaged finger and nonetheless completed tied for twenty second at Augusta final yr, was happy together with his efforts.
“Simply lipped out,” he stated of his putt on the 18th.
“It’s a type of issues, for those who’re giving your self birdie putts at Augusta Nationwide, you’re doing job.”
Cameron Davis’ (74) rollercoaster spherical included a three-putt for double bogey and a chip in for eagle, whereas 2013 champion Adam Scott was 4 over by means of 10 holes.
