DeChambeau, Koepka share first-round lead on Day 1 at Masters

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This season's first men's golf major, the Masters, got underway at the Augusta National Golf Club in the American state of Georgia on Thursday, and the opening day saw Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka sharing the opening round lead at six-under-par. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods began his quest for a fifth Green Jacket four shots behind, with his playing partner China's Li Haotong being six off the pace.

"I was just looking to shoot something in the 60s this week 'cause I haven't done that yet in my couple times playing here. But what a magical back nine," DeChambeau said.

“I just enjoy the big stage, I enjoy major championships, I mean that's what you're remembered by,” joint-leader Koepka said.

Bryson DeChambeau of the United States tosses his golf ball on the 15th hole during the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, the U.S. /AFP Photo

Earlier, legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player opened the proceedings as the honorary starters. Woods has been chasing the record of 18 major titles held by Nicklaus. The 43-year-old's birdie at 14 was his fourth of the day, and the former world No. 1 finished the session at minus-two, getting his chase for a 15th major underway in good stead.

“I feel very good. I feel like I played well today and I controlled my golf ball all day," Woods said. "I've shot this number and won four coats, so hopefully I can do it again.”

Woods' old rival Phil Mickelson got a very good swing on his tee shot at 16. The man who has won three Green Jackets at this course launched the ball all the way to the green, where it rolled toward the cup and stopped about an inch away. The 48-year-old was in third, at five-under-par.

Tiger Woods of the United States reacts on the 18th green during the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. /AFP Photo

Rory McIlroy needs to win the Masters to complete a career Grand Slam. The Northern Irishman's fifth and final birdie at 16 highlighted his up-and-down day. The world No. 3 was seven behind, at plus-one.

Meanwhile, Dustin Johnson, who is seeking a second major title, sank the last of his five birdies at 16. The world No. 1 wrapped up the afternoon tied for fourth, at four-under-par.

Keeping pace with the 2016 U.S. Open winner was England's Ian Poulter, who also birdied 16 to grab a piece of fourth place.

Meanwhile, Koepka caught fire on the back nine. The world No. 4's birdie at 12 was the first of four straight, as he grabbed a piece of the top spot, at minus-six.

But the three-time major winner got company as DeChambeau's approach at 18 sailed all the way to the turf and was on target for the cup, only to be denied by the flag-stick. The world No. 6 was also six-under, after the first 18 holes.

The top three were followed by Dustin Johnson and Ian Poulter at minus-four, with Woods and China's Li among those looking to move up in today's second round, while McIlroy and defending champion Patrick Reed hope to leave the red numbers behind.