The Starter: Round 1, The Masters

text size

Apr. 8, 2010

The first round of the Masters is set to begin. Here's a look at Thursday's round:

Groups We're Watching

Tee time	Players
10:13 a.m. ET, No. 1		Ernie Els, Ryo Ishikawa, Anthony Kim Els and Kim are the two hottest players going into the Masters, both looking for their first Green Jacket.
10:35 a.m. ET, No. 1		Robet Allenby, Phil Mickelson, Y.E. Yang Can Mickelson ignite his season? Yang begins his quest for a second straight major.
1:42 p.m. ET No. 1		K.J. Choi, Matt Kuchar, Tiger Woods All eyes will be on Woods as he makes his return to competitive golf at Augusta National.

MORE ROUND 1: Tee times | Inside the field | Inside the course

EXPERT PREVIEW: PGA TOUR NETWORK on-site correspondent Brian Katrek previews Thursday's first round:

Most golfers are not big fans of rain, but most golfers are not PGA TOUR players. Augusta National is playing firm and fast right now and might get softened up by some rain on Thursday afternoon. I don't expect play to stop unless there is lightning though. This course can make lots of rain disappear quickly.

Tiger plays in the afternoon, and might get some of that rain, but a whole bunch of marquee groups might be luckier. While there are tons of big names in this tournament, some of the biggest seem to be all grouped together in the morning. Lee Westwood, Chad Campbell, Ernie Els, Paul Casey, Anthony Kim, and Phil Mickelson are all grouped very close to one another in the morning. There will be plenty to see all day on Thursday.

INSTRUCTOR'S CORNER: Steve Hanlon, head instructor at TPC San Antonio, analyzes the playing conditions this week:

Like anything in life, the key to success this week I feel is preparation. If you have been fortunate enough to play in numerous Masters or this is your first time there, you must prepare yourself for the test ahead.

Thursday's forecast

Partly cloudy
Temp: 76 high/51 low
Thirty percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Winds 10 to 15 mph.

Veteran players begin to learn the subtle differences in a few yards in either direction and what a difference it can make over years of playing. The first-timers must learn this through practice rounds and conversations with experienced players; it is like cramming for an exam.

At the TOUR Academy, dealing with some of my advanced players and collegiate golfers I always make certain they have a game plan in mind. I want to know if you have played the course before, do you know where the appropriate spots to miss shots are, and do you know where you can attack?

Setting a game plan in place and feeling prepared to play allows you to arrive at the course confident and ready to perform.

The Film Room

	PGA TOUR Today: April 8 Angel Cabrera sets to defend his title, as Tiger Woods makes his return to golf. Casey Black previews the field at the 2010 Masters. Watch it
	Fantasy Insider Need help with your fantasy picks for the Masters? John Swantek and the Fantasy Insider can help. Watch it
	Preview: The Masters Cabrera, Woods and Els are among the top names to watch as the TOUR heads to Augusta, Georgia for the 2010 Masters.. Watch it