2018 Masters: Jordan Spieth leads but it’s an unlucky 13 for Sergio Garcia

Jordan Spieth will take a two-shot lead into today’s Masters second round after firing a six-under 66 at Augusta National.

The American, who won the Masters in 2015, showed “remarkable prowess” and was in a “class of his own” as he hit five successive birdies on the back nine, says Sky Sports. Spieth finished round one as the clubhouse leader, with fellow Americans Tony Finau and Matt Kuchar two shots back on four-under.

Speaking to The New York Post after his opening round, Spieth said: “This golf course specifically brings out a lot of feel in my game, and I think that’s advantageous. I think quick starts are important in any event. If you get off to a good start, you’re in control of your own fate, versus needing a little bit of help.’’

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In today’s second round Spieth tees off at 3.53pm UK time and is playing alongside Sweden’s Alex Noren and South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen.

Masters leaderboard after round one

• 1 Jordan Spieth (US) -6 66
• = 2 Tony Finau (US) -4 68
• = 2 Matt Kuchar (US) -4 68
• = 4 Henrik Stenson (Swe) -3 69
• = 4 Patrick Reed (US) -3 69
• = 4 Charley Hoffman (US) -3 69
• = 4 Adam Hadwin (Can) -3 69
• = 4 Haotong Li (Chn) -3 69
• = 4 Rory McIlroy (NI) -3 69
• = 4 Rafael Cabrera-Bello (Spa) -3 69

While Spieth was enjoying a good start at Augusta, it was a bad day on the course for defending champion Sergio Garcia.

The BBC reports that the Spaniard had an “absolute nightmare” on the 15th hole at Augusta, finding the water five times. He carded a “disastrous” 13 - the equal worst score for one hole in the tournament’s history - in his nine-over-par round of 81.

Following his round, Garcia said: “I don’t know what to tell you. It’s the first time in my career where I make a 13 without missing a shot. Simple as that.

“I felt like I hit a lot of good shots and unfortunately, the ball just didn’t want to stop. I don’t know, it’s just one of those things. So it’s just unfortunate, but that’s what it is.”

Rory McIlroy, who can secure a major Grand Slam if he wins this week’s Masters, opened his 2018 campaign with a three-under 69. He is one of seven players tied for fourth place after round one.

Four-time Masters winner Tiger Woods finished the opening round one-over after hitting a 73 on his return to the majors.

Masters groups to watch

Today’s second round groups to watch and tee times (all times UK). US players unless stated.

• 3.31pm: Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar
• 3.42pm: Adam Scott (Aus), Rory McIlroy (NIrl), Jon Rahm (Spa)
• 3.53pm: Jordan Spieth, Alex Noren (Swe), Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa)
• 4.04pm: Justin Rose (Eng), Dustin Johnson, Rafael Cabrera-Bello (Spa)
• 6.27pm: Tiger Woods, Marc Leishman (Aus), Tommy Fleetwood (Eng)
• 6.49pm: Bubba Watson, Henrik Stenson (Swe), Jason Day (Aus)
• 7pm: Patrick Reed, Adam Hadwin (Can), Charley Hoffman