Masters

Not since 2001, when Tiger Woods was seeking an unprecedented fourth successive major title, has a Masters tournament been so eagerly anticipated as this week's 76th edition.

The birdie putt from the back of the green. The raised left arm, holding the putter high. The right fist slamming downward when the ball disappeared, followed by a cheer that rocked Augusta National.

Former champion Fred Couples shot a 4-under 68 to again put himself in contention heading into the weekend at the Masters.

Rory McIlroy underlined his reputation as the hottest young player in golf with a flawless seven-under-par 65 in the opening round of the Masters today.

There was a time when Tiger Woods would have responded to the perceived slight in the way he knew best - with his clubs.

On the far end of the course, near the only palm tree at Augusta National, Lee Westwood rolled long putts across the fourth green as he practised alone on a quiet afternoon before the Masters.

Tiger Woods will be playing the first two days of the Masters with US Open champion Graeme McDowell, who rallied from a four-shot deficit to beat Woods last December.

Everywhere Carl Jackson turns at Augusta National, he keeps hearing the same word.

The Masters will be broadcast in 3-D - although few Americans own the technology to take advantage.