Nicolai Højgaard off to fine Augusta start as European rookie equals Masters record

Nicolai Højgaard equalled the best first-round score by a European on debut at the 88th Masters Tournament.

The Dane, one of four DP World Tour rookies in the field for the first men’s Major Championship of the year, shot a five-under-par 67 at Augusta National to match England’s David Gilford's effort in 1995.

After reaching five under through his opening 15 holes before play was suspended on Thursday evening, following a two-and-a-half-hour weather delay, Højgaard returned to complete the final three holes of his first round with a hat-trick of pars.

The three-time DP World Tour winner sits two shots adrift of overnight first-round leader Bryson DeChambeau, in a tie for third alongside Max Homa, with World Number One Scottie Scheffler sandwiched between.

Højgaard's first round total included two chip-ins, one of which came during a memorable first go at Amen Corner as he birdied all three holes.

“I thought I played pretty well today and yesterday. It wasn't easy," said Højgaard of his first competitive round at the famed Georgia venue.

"The wind was swirling, and there was a lot of wind. You start the back nine, 10, 11, 12, it's tough holes, and I feel like I played them really well yesterday. I feel like that's the part of the round where you really want to hang in there. Very pleased with how I played actually.

"And also this morning, it wasn't that easy getting out there that early, and the conditions completely changed with different wind direction. Yeah, happy with how I played the last three holes, and now I'm looking forward to get out there again."

Despite only having a short break before he began his second round at 9:24am local time (2:24 BST), 23-year-old Højgaard was relishing the challenge.

“I'd prefer to have a little more sleep.” the 2023 Ryder Cup winner said. “That's part of it. You've got to adapt. That's part of it. I can't complain. I like it. I like the grind.”

Danny Willett - the 2016 champion - is back playing six months ahead of schedule after shoulder surgery and carded an impressive 68 on the opening day, with Ryan Fox a shot further back after an eagle at the par-five eighth helped him to a 67.

Matthieu Pavon, who like Højgaard is making his first appearance at Augusta, parred his final four holes on Friday's resumption of the first round to card a 70 and sit inside the top 10.

Tommy Fleetwood, playing in the final group of the first round, closed with back-to-back bogeys to finish at level par, with Ludvig Åberg and Tiger Woods one shot further back.