Jordan Spieth recorded nine birdies on his way to a round of 64 (−8), one off the course record, and a three-shot lead. Spieth is the fourth player to open the Masters with a round of 64 or better, and the first since Greg Norman shot 63 in 1996. Rory McIlroy, looking for his third consecutive win in a major and the career grand slam, opened with a round of 71 (−1), as did defending champion Bubba Watson. Four-time champion Tiger Woods, playing in his first tournament since February, shot 73 (+1).
