Augusta National Giving Players Fits

Apr 05, 05:15 PM

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By Gerard Gallagher, Golf Editor

Augusta, GA (Sports Network) - With the ink barely dry on pre-tournament stories about Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, an altogether different favorite emerged Thursday during the first round of the Masters.

The course.

Augusta National was giving the world's best players fits at the season's first major championship, playing the role of stern taskmaster as the field struggled to post good scores on a calm, cool day.

Mickelson was an early victim, making four bogeys and a double-bogey to shoot four-over 40 on the front nine. The 2004 and '06 champion played better on the back side and made a four-foot par putt at No. 18 to finish off a four-over 76.

By the time Mickelson was done, no player who posted a final score had more than four birdies. Only one, Rich Beem, carded an eagle.

Seven players were at 80 or worse.

"The golf course is winning right now," said Billy Mayfair, who also opened with a 76. "I expect it will probably win this week."

A chilly morning made for soft greens, but low scores remained scarce.

Justin Rose was the clubhouse leader after making three birdies for a bogey- free, three-under 69. But even Rose fell victim to the hardening greens when he sent a 12-foot birdie putt six feet past the hole at No. 15.

"They were getting firmer as the day went on," Mayfair said of the greens.

Five players were in the clubhouse at one-under 71, including the 2002 PGA champion Beem, and Davis Love III was among three players who shot 72.

"This is probably the best we're going to catch this course," said Love. "It was very tricky out there. Make a mistake on the wrong side of the hole and you will pay the price."

Woods had a bogey at No. 7 and shot a one-over 37 on the front nine, yet was still among the top 20 when he made the turn. With wins in seven of his last eight stroke-play events, Woods is seeking his fifth Masters title.

He may need the green jacket come Sunday.

With highs only in the mid-60s, Thursday was expected to be the warmest day this week. Weather forecasts called for scattered frost and temperatures in the 30s overnight and a high Friday in the low 60s.

04/05 16:53:15 ET