England's Justin Rose and South African Trevor Immelman carded first-round 68s to take a one-shot lead after the opening day of the 2008 Masters.
Rose recovered from two bogeys in his first four holes at Augusta to join Immelman on four under.
England’s Lee Westwood and American duo Brian Bateman and Brandt Snedeker finished the day on three under.
Ian Poulter, another Englishman, fired a hole-in-one at the par-three 16th in a fine round of 70.
Tiger Woods, the world number one, shot a level-par 72. The 32-year-old is chasing a fifth Masters title.
Rose, who won last year's European Tour Order of Merit, has twice before led after the first round but finished 22nd in 2004 and fifth in 2007.
"I've learned you can't count your chickens too early," said Rose, the world number nine.
"At the age of 27 you begin to say you can't keep putting it down to experience. You say 'this is the time to step up' if you like. But I'm not putting too much pressure on myself."
Reigning champion Zak Johnson began his defence of the title with a round of 70 alongside Robert Karlsson, Jim Furyk and Stephen Ames.
Two-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson, Paul Casey and Retief Goosen are in a group on one under.
England's Luke Donald carded a 73, while Open champion Padraig Harrington and former world number one Ernie Els both finished with rounds of 73.
comments
What do you think? Give us your opinion on the comments page.