Apr5 Masters update1

Justin Rose is leading the Masters after a bogey-free round of 69.

He is joined at the top by US Ryder Cup player Brett Wetterich, who’s also at three under.

But the big guns – notably Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson – faultered on the ultra-tough Augusta National.

The defending champion finished at four over, while Els is six over. Tiger Woods is also off the pace, at one over par.

Henrik Stenson was an early pace-seetter, but fell out of the lead to finish at level par, currently tied 10th.

David Howell has also posted a superb score, finishing the day at two under – good enough for second on his own on a day when scoring is tough.

The newly-lengthened Augusta National is playing every yards of its 7,445 – and unlike last year, when the changes were made, the course is playing hard and fast.  

We watched four groups go through the first this morning, and only two players made par – the others were three-putting, or just couldn’t get chip shots close.

While the final groups have just started the back nine – including Tiger Woods and Paul Casey – many players are now finished.

Other scores include: Adam Scott, +2;Ian Poulter, +3; Bradley Dredge, +3; Tom Watson, +3; Colin Montgomerie, +4; Sergio Garcia, +4; Richie Ramsay, +4; Sandy Lyle, +7; Seve Ballesteros, +13 and amateur Casey Watabu  props up the field at +15.

Ian Woosnam has withdrawn from the tournament this morning with a back injury.