How Good Was That?

Well, Thursday at the 2015 Masters surely didn't disappoint. Jordan Spieth, who I picked to win a few weeks ago, continued to shine with an opening round 64. It was the round of the day, if you are able to overlook the seventy one posted by sixty five year old Tom Watson. Who breaks par at Augusta at sixty five years of age? It just isn't done.

Tiger showed himself fully recovered from his short game woes. If he had the chipping yips, he has managed to conquer them in record time. Nevertheless, his one over finish amounted to more of the same since Tiger last won a major, with some wild tee shots and some very unTigerlike misses. He is most likely too far out of contention to believe that he can rally and win another green jacket this year.

Rory managed to finish under par, and therefore still in the game if he can go low tomorrow. However, compared to young Mr Spieth and several others, he was decidedly average, and definitely not looking like the number one player in the game.

Big Ernie looks to be a factor again, proving that forty five is not too old if the putter cooperates. At five under, along with Hoffman, Justin Rose, and Jason Day, he finds himself tied for second place, a position he has finished in twice at Augusta. How great would it be to see the Big Easy finally get a green jacket? He could definitely pull it off if the putter stays hot and Jordan's putter cools off.

Phil is looking good at two under, as is Patrick Reed and Dustin Johnson. And the Indian from Bangalore, Mr Lahiri performed admirably in his first competitive round at Augusta, finishing at one under. 

Sergio looked great finishing at four under the card and would make a lot of people happy, particularly himself, if he could finally get it done in a major. Jason Day looks determined and ready to claim a first major, in a career that will surely include one or more major championships before it's over.

Eighteen holes does not a championship make, and there will inevitably be those who will fade and those who will come on strong before things really get interesting on the back nine on Sunday. However, Jordan Spieth looks awfully strong and, with another low round tomorrow, could run away and hide. He will definitely take some beating. Rarely, does the first round leader manage to get the job done, but this kid is fast becoming the best player in the game. I definitely wouldn't bet against him.