Vijay Singh of Fiji shot a bogey-free, five-under-par 67 to take a one-stroke lead over American Rocco Mediate after the opening round of The Masters in Augusta, Georgia.
First-year competitor Arron Oberholser of the United States was another shot back Thursday in the first major golf tournament of the season. American Tiger Woods, the defending champion and favorite to win his fifth green jacket, opened at even par 72.
Augusta National decided to lengthen its course to 68-hundred meters, and plenty of golfers struggled with the extra length.
U.S. Open champion Michael Campbell of New Zealand had a three-over-par 75. American Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman carded a 76. Two-time Master winner Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain struggled to a 76. American David Duval shot a 12-over-par 84 for his worst Masters round ever.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.