DANNY WILLETT started his first round after shoulder surgery fearing he would look a "fool" at the Masters - and ended up near the top of the leaderboard.
The 2016 champion, who went under the knife in September, defied doctors' orders to make his return here.
And he found the perfect tonic by shooting an "unexpected" 68.
The world No.260 trailed clubhouse leader Bryson DeChambeau (right) 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.
Yorkshire's Willett showed the grit which saw him get back to action a year ahead of schedule after six weeks in a cast before an extensive rehab programme.
Denne historien er fra April 12, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
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Denne historien er fra April 12, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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GRACE THE ACE FOR SARINA
International Women's Friendlies GRACE CLINTON took just eight minutes to seal England's victory at Bramall Lane.
Germany in way of Car drive
LEE CARSLEY'S England Under-21 team will face Germany, Czechia and Slovenia as they bid to successfully defend their Euro U21 crown in Slovakia next summer.
Versatile Amad to get new contract
RUBEN AMORIM says Manchester United will hand Amad a new contract after hailing him as one of the players who has impressed him the most.
We've beaten Euro & Prem champs...now for the tough games!
SLOT: AFTER TWO WINS LIKE THIS IT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO SHOW UP AGAIN & AGAIN AWAY
CHANGING OF GAARD PUTS SAKA ON PARADE
WHEN Mikel Arteta named his first Arsenal starting XI, he stuck Bukayo Saka at left-back.
AMORGRIM WARNING
After his bright start, United boss says he knows that 'the storm is coming... and we will be found out in some games'
END OF AN ERA, PEP? 'COULD BE'
Guardiola fears City dominance is ending
VANTASTIC
Ruud reian's off to flyer.. thanks to Vardy and VAR
GIANT STEPS
Radlinski says Wigan will continue worldwide quest of tapping into other major sporting organisations following New York trip
Wellington hoot
AS ENGLAND RETURN TO SCENE OF DEFEAT IN ONE OF THE GREAT TESTS... BLACK CAPS HERO WAGNER RELIVES 'BEST FEELING EVER'
