Former Open champion Francesco Molinari was braced for a daunting challenge as the 85th Masters got under way on Thursday.
Molinari held a two-shot lead with seven holes to play in 2019 before finding the water with his tee shot on the par-three 12th as playing partner Tiger Woods went on to claim a fifth green jacket.
The Ryder Cup star missed the cut when last year’s Masters was held in November due to the coronavirus pandemic and agreed with the common view that an even tougher test awaited the 88-man field this week.
“It’s very firm and fast, I’m sure everyone is saying the same,” Molinari said.
“It’s going to be a different, very different challenge from November last year, but should be fun. Should be a great challenge for everyone.
“It’s like playing a different course. I think my caddie and I, obviously, we need to draw on past experiences even though, to be honest, I can’t remember how many years I’ve been here, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen it this fast and firm already on a Tuesday and a Wednesday.”
Is there anything new for 2021?
Dr. Lee Elder has a nice ring to it. #themasters https://t.co/GOcnnCgkF5
Advertisement— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 7, 2021
Lee Elder, who was the first black player to compete in the Masters, joins former champions Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus as an honorary starter for 2021. Elder made his Masters debut in 1975 and recorded a best finish of joint 17th in 1979 from six appearances.
Course specialist?
Spain’s Jon Rahm has finished in the top 10 in each of the last three years at the Masters (2018 4th, 2019 T9, 2020 T7)
Key tee times
Find Thursday's Featured Groups and more. #themasters https://t.co/4CLDUVDWXy
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 6, 2021
3.30pm BST (10.30am Irish time)– Dustin Johnson, Lee Westwood, Tyler Strafaci
3.42pm BST (10.42am Irish time)– Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy
5.48pm BST (12.48pm Irish time)– Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Matt Kuchar
7.00pm BST (2pm Irish time)– Jordan Spieth, Cameron Smith, Collin Morikawa
Weather forecast
An approaching disturbance will bring more clouds on Thursday and increasing humidity, and there is a slight chance for a stray shower to develop later in the day. Temperatures are forecast to reach 27C, with south-southwest winds increasing to 10-15 mph during the afternoon.
