The Masters 2024 - Day one digest

Everything you need to know from day one of the year's opening Major Championship.

Bryson DeChambeau went low, Danny Willett was the comeback kid and Nicolai Højgaard was not in the mood for using a putter on day one of the 2024 Masters Tournament.

Here is everything you need to know from Augusta National Golf Club.

DeChambeau on top

Bryson DeChambeauproduced a back nine birdie blitz to open up a one-shot lead after day one but he had World Number One Scottie Scheffler breathing down his neck. DeChambeau opened with three birdies and added another five in six holes from the 12th to get to seven under, looking in total control with a three-shot lead in testing, windy conditions. But Scheffler has won two of his last three starts - finishing second last time out - and the 2022 champion birdied four of his last seven holes in a bogey-free effort to sit just a shot back. Dane Nicolai Højgaard was then at five under but he will have to return to complete the last three holes of his first found on Friday after the start of day one was delayed by two-and-a-half hours due to storms.

Beware the injured golfer

With no expectations, you’re open to possibility. At least, that’s what Willetttold himself ahead of his first competitive round of golf for almost seven months. The 2016 champion arrived this week unsure if he would be able to play after undergoing shoulder surgery in September which was due to keep him out for 12-18 months. But play he did and seven birdies and three bogeys handed him a 68. "I think in terms of expectation, no one really knew," he told reporters after his fine opening-day performance. "I didn't really know. I haven't been under the gun since Wentworth, under pressure, having to hit certain shots at certain times when there actually are consequences. It's nice to come and prove that if you've done the work and you do the right things that you can hit the shots still when you need to."

A tradition unlike any other

It may have been delayed by the weather but when the 2024 Masters Tournament got under way, it was, as always, started by three true greats of our game. Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson hit their honorary tee-shots in front of adoring crowds in a fun ceremony and the golfing world was ready for the action to begin.

Shot of the week?

It may only be Thursday but this from Willett will take some beating.

Chip chip hooray

One chip in at Augusta is impressive. Some would say two is greedy. Take a bow, Nicolai.

The joy of six

The sixth is not an easy par three. Nobody told these guys.