Who said what? The best comments after round one of the Masters

Spieth, keeping things in balance

They say that nothing is decided during round one of the Masters, and whilst that is likely true, it’s a day filled with drama nonetheless. 

There was Ernie Els taking seven putts from six feet on the first hole, on his way to a 10, the worst score ever recorded on the opening hole of the Masters

There was defending champion Spieth, not considered a hot favourite at the start of play, defying his doubters with a flawless bogey-free 66 to take the 18-hole lead. 

And there was world number one Jason Day proving that golf is a game of two halves, heading out in 31 before shooting 41 on the back-nine. 

Fans and pundits will analyse the action until they’re blue in the face, but who better to hear from than the players themselves? Here’s what they had to say after round one…

Jordan Spieth (66)

“I would have signed for two-under today and not even played the round, knowing the conditions that were coming up. I got a lot out of the round with what I felt like was kind of average-ish ball striking. I just scored the ball extremely well, which is something I’ve been struggling with this season. I think the round today may have been better than the first round last year because of the conditions; I definitely could make that argument.”

Shane Lowry (68)

Paul Casey (69)

“It was fantastic. It was a joy to be playing with the defending champion. I’m not sure I’ve been privileged to be paired with that group before. To get up close and personal and to see how he really took the golf course apart today was very, very impressive. We had wonderful momentum from the beginning, lovely fellas to play with, and I’m looking forward to more tomorrow.

My game suits this golf course very, very nicely. We get to come back every single year so you know it so well. My first trip here was 2004 and I got to play with Floyd and Langer and Crenshaw and guys like that and I learnt the golf course very quickly and a few of the secrets. I’ve done my homework round here and I’ve seen it all.” 

Justin Rose (69)

“I am surprised there were so many good scores today. I really didn’t see six-under out there but Jordan has started where he left off. A bogey-free 66 today was very impressive.

The forecast is similar for the next couple of days so it was nice to get a decent round when the course was somewhat softer because it’s going to be really tough over the next few days.

A good start is a bonus; it’s a bad start that you don’t want. Even if your game isn’t clicking at a major, if you can get it round in around even-par on the first day then you can have something to build on. To shoot in the 60s in the first round of the Masters is always a good start.

The putting grip was a big change for me. I have adopted the claw grip which is becoming more popular on Tour. I stumbled across it last week on my week off and it just felt too good to deny it. I second-guessed it a few times last week but it stayed true and I putted well today.

It wasn’t a decision I took lightly. I have putted okay this year but I feel if I am going to win the Masters I am going to have to putt great. I just felt in practice that it could benefit me. It was a gamble but I felt it was one worth taking.”

Ernie Els (80)

“I don’t know how I stayed out there. The last thing you want is to be out on the golf course. I’m not sure where I’m going from here. If you have snakes in your brain, it’s difficult. Maybe I need a brain transplant.

I can’t explain it. I couldn’t take the putter back. I had three goes and then it went all over the place. Something withholds you from doing your normal thing. I could go on the practice putting green and make 20 straight three-footers.”