Day one digest: 2022 Masters Tournament

Everything you need to know from day one of the first Major Championship of the season.

Sungjae was soaring, Tiger was roaring and Shane was anything but boring during the first round of the 2022 Masters Tournament.

Here is everything you need to know from Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club.

Confident Im leads the way

Sungjae Im revealed he was full of confidence after carding an opening 67 that handed him a one-shot lead. The South Korean finished a remarkable 15 under on his debut in 2020 and while he was beaten into second place by a record-breaking performance from Dustin Johnson, the 24-year-old admitted that performance was fuelling his fire this week. "I have great memories from 2020," he said. "It was my first ever Masters and to finish runner-up at my first Masters was great. That memory kind of lingers around and I still remember that feeling and it gives me confidence when I come back here that I can finish strong or possibly win it here someday." Cameron Smith - who finished second at this tournament alongside Im in November 2020 - was a shot behind at four under, one ahead of Johnson, 2016 champion Danny Willett, World Number One Scottie Scheffler and Chile's Joaquin Niemann.

Woods thrills fans with stunning comeback

Tiger Woods admitted just being able to play this week felt like a victory as he enjoyed the “electric” atmosphere generated by his return to Augusta National. Woods was followed by enormous, fervent galleries as he carded an opening 71 to sit at one under after playing his first truly competitive round since his title defence here in November 2020. He suffered severe leg injuries in a car accident 14 months ago and while he finished second alongside son Charlie at the PNC Championship in December, this was his first individual event for 509 days. Asked if being able to compete was the equivalent to a victory, Woods said: “Yes.” He added: “I’m very lucky to have this opportunity to be able to play, and not only that, to play in the Masters and to have this type of reception."

Only one man can create that roar.

Willett loving life at Augusta

Willett was shining on the big stage yet again as the 2016 champion carded his lowest ever opening round at the Masters. The Englishman famously had a spell in the doldrums after his victory six years ago but since recovering his form and confidence has claimed two Rolex Series victories and won last season's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. A 69 was his lowest first 18 at the Masters and third-best ever round down Magnolia Lane, and Willett admitted he was enjoying being back on a happy hunting ground. "You can't come to this place and not wake up every morning with a smile on your face," he said. "I think it's impossible. It's impossible for the players and I think it's impossible for the 25,000 patrons who come and walk round here every day. It's a pretty special place."

Roller coaster for Lowry

On the fourth, Shane Lowry hit a stunning tee-shot that could well have ended with a hole-in-one but instead rolled a long way from the hole, prompting disbelief and then a jovial club throw.

Later in his round, he did this.

Golf, ladies and gentlemen.

Harrington holes a monster

Just the 67 feet for the three-time Major winner.

"Watch this........."

Couldn't have put it better ourselves. What a shot from Niemann.