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Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot from the fourth tee during the first round of the Masters Tournament. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

What we learned on Day 1 of the Masters Tournament

By Jack Dougherty | Last updated 4/11/24

Day 1 of the 2024 Masters Tournament from Augusta National Golf Club is officially in the books. We weren't able to finish the first round due to a two-hour rain delay in the morning, but Bryson DeChambeau finished early to card a 7-under 65 and take the outright lead.

So, what did we learn from the first day of action at Augusta? Let's recap.

The wind is going to be a serious factor

Aside from the brief thunderstorm in the morning, the blustery wind was the biggest weather story of the day. Winds on the golf course swirled all day and reached gusts of 40 mph, making it difficult for players to judge approach shots and stay focused on short putts.

The wind is going to be just as severe on Friday, which will benefit elite ball strikers and players who can flight their shots under the gusts.

The green jacket is Scottie Scheffler's to lose

Scheffler entered the week as the heavy betting favorite to win his second green jacket, and nothing we saw on Thursday is going to change that.

The world No. 1 fired a comfortable, 6-under 66 with six birdies and no bogeys to sit one shot back of the lead. He played stress-free golf all day and dominated from tee to green as he normally does.

Scottie Scheffler's bunker shot on No. 12 finds the hole for birdie. #themasters pic.twitter.com/urr9NMj8gV
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 11, 2024

DeChambeau may be the early leader, but Scheffler is still the man to beat.

LIV Golf can still compete with the PGA Tour's best

Speaking of DeChambeau, he led the way for what was a successful Day 1 for LIV Golf. seven of the 13 defectors in the field are currently at even par or better. Adrian Meronk struggled to a 6-over 78, but no other LIV player finished worse than +2.

DeChambeau (-7), Tyrrell Hatton (-3 thru 14), Joaquin Niemann (-2 F), Patrick Reed (-2 thru 14), Cameron Smith (-1 F) are all under par; Brooks Koepka (E thru 11) and reigning champion Jon Rahm (+1 F) are still lurking.

Tiger Woods? Tiger Woods!

No one knew what to expect from Woods on Day 1 of the Masters. The 15-time major champion has teed it up only six times since May 2022, and he withdrew from three of those events due to injuries or illness. But, at least for one day, Tiger far exceeded expectations.

Woods finished his Thursday at 1 under par through 13 holes and tied for 17th place. There were a few loose shots along the way, but he hit a handful of stellar recovery shots and looked great on the greens. Most importantly, he looked comfortable walking up and down the Augusta slopes, and he was all business out on the golf course.

We'll see how he looks walking 23 holes on Friday, but it sure was an encouraging start.

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