OH DANNY JOY

Willett powers on to rub shoulders with the leaders

- NEIL MCLEMAN

DANNY WILLETT started his first round after shoulder surgery fearing he would look a "fool" at the Masters and finished near the top of the leaderboard.

The 2016 champion, who went under the knife in September, defied doctors orders to make his return here to shoot an "unexpected" 68.

The world No.260 trailed clubhouse leader Bryson DeChambeau by three shots after the LIV Golf star carded a sensational 65.

Overnight rain delayed the start by two-and-a-half hours but the forecasted thunderstorms skirted around Augusta National. Gusting 20mph winds were the biggest obstacle with the greens softened.