Bryson DeChamebeau and Brooks Koepka posted matching low-round 66s on Thursday to share the day-one lead of the Masters.
DeChambeau finished his first day at Augusta National offsetting three bogeys with nine birdies, including four-straight gains to finish the day.
“What a magical back nine,” said the 24-year old DeChambeau, who hit 8 of 14 fairways and 11 of 18 greens.
Koepka’s co-low round was keyed by pinpoint accuracy, both off the tee (12 of 14 fairways) and to the greens (15 of 18). The 28-year old Florida State product signed for a bogey-free card comprised of 12 pars and six birdies.
On why he seems to play at another level in the majors, Koepka said, “I keep pretty much the same routine for the majors. It’s very simple. There is no added stress.”
One back was Phil Mickelson, who shot 67, highlighted by three birdies over his final four holes (Nos. 15, 16, 18).
Dustin Johnson and Ian Poulter were one further back on 4-under par, one clear of five players at 3 under, including Justin Harding, Adam Scott, Jon Rahm, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, and Kevin Kisner.
Another 10 players were deadlocked on 2 under, headlined by four-time Masters winner Tiger Woods, who finished with four birdies against two bogeys. Jason Day, Rickie Fowler, and Francesco Molinari were a few of the bigger names tied with Woods.
Defending champion Patrick Reed carded a 73, while Jordan Spieth, the slumping three-time major winner, shot 3-over 75, and is danger of missing his first-ever cut at the Masters.
TOP-5 LEADERS
1. Bryson DeChamebeau -6
1. Brooks Koepka -6
3. Phil Mickelson -5
4. Ian Poulter -4
4. Dustin Johnson -4
OTHER NOTABLES
6. Adam Scott -3
6. Jon Rahm -3
11. Tiger Woods -2
11. Rickie Fowler -2
11. Jason Day -2
11. Francesco Molinari -2
21. Tommy Fleetwood -1
21. Matt Kuchar -1
29. Bubba Watson E
44. Sergio Garcia +1
44. Patrick Reed +1
44. Rory McIlroy +1
44. Xander Schauffele +1
44. Justin Thomas +1
44. Patrick Cantlay +1
63. Jordan Spieth +3
63. Justin Rose +3
86. Paul Casey +9
STAT LEADERS
Driving: Rory McIlroy – 324 yards
Fairways: Patton Kizzire – 14/14, 100%
Greens: Ian Poulter – 16/18, 88.9%
Putts/GIR: Brooks Koepka – 1.933
