MASTERS LIVE BLOG: Practice rounds for 2024 tournament

APRIL 10

6:32 p.m.: Due to forecast, gate openings delayed

Due to forecast weather on Thursday, Augusta National has decided to delay patron gate openings in the morning.

5:45 p.m.: Rickie Fowler wins Par 3 Contest

The family fun of the laid-back Par 3 Contest took place Wednesday at Augusta National Golf Club, and Rickie Fowler of the United States won with a 72.

The competitors work through nine holes ranging from 70 to 140 yards in the northeast corner of the Augusta National grounds. There have been nearly 100 holes-in-one during the contest — nine of them in 2016.

Dating back to 1960, it’s technically a competition, but it’s really all about fun.

4:25 p.m.: ‘People always say it’s like heaven on Earth, but it really is’

For Denny McCarthy, it’s not possible to overstate the beauty of Augusta National.

“Yeah, spectacular. This is kind of – people always say it’s like heaven on Earth, but it really is,” the first-time Masters player said.

He’s played it four times in the past month and a half.

“It’s amazing every time. It’s just a great walk. I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said.

On a more somber note, he’s bringing a memory to the Masters with him – something in honor of a 16-year-old girl who died of cancer.

“She played golf, and she really liked me and a couple other players out here, but I got to know her really well over the last two or three years,” he said.

“Her favorite thing was a rubber ducky and her favorite color was yellow, and she loved rubber duckies, so I put a rubber ducky on my golf bag in honor of hers and got some custom shoes that my wife and a company, Painter, that I wear they designed and one of the insoles has a ducky in the sole.”

It’s just something to her by.

“The way she kind of handled herself through the couple-year battle she had was amazing,” he said. “She never complained. She was extremely resilient. She was just one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, so this just kind of paying honor to her, respect to her. I think about her all the time.”

4:04 p.m.: Weather will ‘be a challenge, but one that everybody is going to have to face’

Augusta National is a tough course to play, even without bad weather.

So the overnight storm and lingering winds tomorrow could wreak havoc on some players’ plans.

“The golf course is hard enough without the weather. It’s as good as I’ve seen it, to be honest. The golf course is absolutely perfect, so hopefully some of the rain misses it. It’s firm and fast now. Absolutely perfect,” Gary Woodland said .

“Hopefully the weather misses a little bit. Golf is tough enough without the wind, so it’ll be a challenge, but one that everybody is going to have to face.”

And how do you handle it when there’s that much wind to battle?

“You got to stay patient, avoid the big numbers,” he said. “Everyone is going to make mistakes out here. Golf course is so demanding. Like I said, it’s perfect. We’ve been prepared for it all week. We’ll be ready for it.”

3:54 p.m.: Even in bad weather, ‘it’s all about hitting the shots’

The overnight storm and then wind tomorrow seem to be on everyone’s mind.

Sergio Garcia was asked about it after the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday.

“Obviously, it looks like it’s going to rain quite a bit and, yeah, that would make the course play a little bit different than it’s been playing the last couple of days,” he said. “But, yeah, you talk about it a little bit and some different things that you can do here and there, but at the end of the day it’s still about, it’s all about hitting the shots. So it’s, you know, as simple and as difficult as that. So you just got to try to do the best there.”

He acknowledges that it’s going to impact every hole.

“But obviously you think about holes like 5, 11, 10, 11, those kind of holes – 18 – tough holes that are long holes that you’re not going to get any run and it’s going to become quite tricky,” he said. “So, but we’ll see, we’ll see how the weather is and we’ll deal with it.”

3:42: Luke List is glad to represent Augusta at Masters

The Par 3 Contest holds a special place for Augusta’s Luke List, who made a hole in one.

It wasn’t his first one in the Par 3, but it was still special.

“It was awesome to have my family there. It was neat. I didn’t see it go in, just heard the crowd, you know it is. It’s organized chaos out there with the kids, but we had a good time,” he said.

It’s a good time to decompress before the real competition begins Thursday.

“It’s a special week, and this kind of gets everything rolling. Once this is over, it’s time to go. Living here in Augusta now, it’s really special being here, and, yeah, I just can’t wait to get going,” List said.

“It’s just such a unique celebration of golf and family and they have always celebrated this Par 3 Contest, so just to have that and with the crowd it’s just amazing, so to make a hole-in-one it’s really neat.”

He’s taking a wait-and-see approach to the bad weather expected overnight.

“It looks like we’re going to have a nasty one overnight and the morning. Not much we can do about it. It’s kind of just see how much it dumps and how it will change,” he said. “Everybody’s in the same boat as far as, we’ve done all this preparation, but it will probably play different tomorrow, so I think that that’s kind of the unique thing about golf is we’re all on a level playing field when we get started.”

He’s glad to represent Augusta in the Masters.

“This is my home, my community, and I feel honored to represent the area, so to be here playing in the tournament’s really special to me,” he said.

3:26 p.m.: For Bubba Watson, Par 3 Contest is ‘a dream come true’

Bubba Watson has finished up the Par 3 Contest, a family-friendly event where kids and spouses get to play a part.

And Watson’s kids got a starring role.

How much fun was it out there for him?

“It’s a dream come true. Now that they’re getting older they can hit shots, we can have fun with it,” he said.

And it wasn’t just his kids who got to have fun.

He stopped to sign autographs for other kids who were there to watch.

“To be here, to watch all the families, the smiles on parents’ faces, I know they’re golfers, but the parents are having the most blast,” he said. “Even the parents behind the ropes and parents inside the ropes are having the most fun of anybody.”

Everything will be different tomorrow for the first round of the Masters.

And the weather remains uncertain, with forecasts of overnight storms and then lingering high wind.

“You know, it’s one of those things where it’s going to be tough for everybody because there is four hours of tee times before me, four and a half hours before me, so they’re going to have to battle it,” he said.

“Hopefully we’ll get it in on time. We’re going to have a beautiful Sunday to finish. Hopefully the weather is not too bad so everybody can be safe.”

2:31 p.m.: Another hole in 1 for Straka

1:51: Update on the Par 3 Contest

1:45: It runs in the Watson family

1:23 p.m.: A hole in one for Luke List

11 a.m.: Chairman Ridley holds annual news conference

Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Chairman Fred Ridley held his annual State of the Masters news conference.

The news conference always brings important announcements not just for the golf world but also for Augusta, as the golf club is well-known for giving back to the community.

He touted the success of the Drive Chip and Putt program, which has grown exponentially in its decade of existence.

He also noted the change to hole No. 2, with an adjusted tee location that will add new challenge.

Adding distance to the course has become standard operating procedure in recent years, he noted.

“We continue to explore new ways to serve patrons, players and our Augusta community,” he said.

He discussed the opening of the club’s new hospitality facility, Map and Flag, across Washington Road

The second phase will debut during the 2025 tournament.

Underground parking at Augusta National will open for players in coming years, with three levels, he said.

He gave a progress report on the partnership with the city of Augusta and Augusta Technical College for operation of the municipal golf course known as The Patch.

“We are on a great path to make significant improvements to The Patch and First Tee,” Ridley said.

Ridley said an April 2026 opening is anticipated.

He was later asked about progress on the project and his vision for it.

he said there’s “almost unlimited potential.”

The golf course has a lot of history, “and we’re going to honor that history,” he said.

For example, he said they won’t build a new clubhouse.

“There’s been a lot of history in that clubhouse,” he said.

The main focus will be on trying to provide a great golf course, he said.

It will really be a hub for junior and high school golf.

he also noted how excited he is about the golf course management program at Augusta Technical College that The Patch ios a part of.

“While planning is still in process ... I think it’s just gonna be fantastic,” Ridley said.

He pointed out that golf is growing as a sport, and that is among Augusta National’s goals.

Participation is up, and new courses and clubs are increasing around the world, he said.

“I believe everyone agrees there is excitement in the air this week,” Ridley said.

“The best golf has to offer is on center stage.”

When asked about why Augusta National has been behind efforts like the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, he said it’s “really just to continue to perpetuate the mission of this club,” which is to grow the sport.

He was asked about the balance of using new technology and maintaining the legacy, mission and mystique of Augusta National.

He said the club wants to progress and continue the mission to grow the game.

But he also said the club wants to reach out to new people in new ways.

He said the club needs to “accept and be comfortable who we are but at the same time not be afraid to try new things.”

He was asked about some of the philanthropic projects it’s ed in recent years and how the club decides where to focus its efforts.

He said that historically the club has been “somewhat ive” in publicizing its philanthropic focus, working mainly in the background.

“We have sort of kept it a secret,” he said.

However, he said the club has learned that it can mobilize more help for these projects from other quarters if more people know about them.

“While we don’t really seek any credit .... we have to recognize with all due humility” the power Augusta National has in making things happen, he said.

That was the club’s intention becoming more visibly active in the community, he said.

And he feels that’s making a difference.

He was asked if, considering the success of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, there might be positive reception to opening the facility to professional women. He had a positive reaction to the sentiment but said that because of the limited season of the course, it would be very hard to add a tournament to the schedule.’

And even if it was possible, would that be a good thing?

“We need to make sure that we really respect the mystique and the magic of the Masters,” he said.

10:48 a.m.: Here’s a recap of some of our top headlines so far

9:49 a.m.: Groupings, start times released for Par 3 contest

9:07 a.m.: Smiles all around at Champions Dinner

One of Jon Rahm’s final duties as reigning champion was to host the Champions Dinner last night.

The only invitees at this annual event are past champions and Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley.

But Augusta National released some photos:

Rahm chose a menu that included:

• A tapas menu featuring a variety of bites including acord-fed Iberian ham, cheese with black truffle, Spanish omelet with onions and potatoes, chorizo, Mama Rahm’s classic lentil stew and creamy chicken fritters with confit potatoes.
• Basque crab salad with potato.
• The main course, Basque ribeye and turbot with asparagus.
• Dessert was milhojas de crema y nata, a puff pastry cake with custard and cream that Rahm served at his wedding.

7:39 a.m.: Chairman Ridley to hold news conference today

Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Chairman Fred Ridley will hold his annual State of the Masters news conference today.

The news conference always brings important announcements not just for the golf world but also for Augusta, as the golf club is well-known for giving back to the community.

The news conference begins at 11 a.m., so watch for updates right here and at /sports/golf/masters-2024/.

7:33 a.m.: Par 3 Contest mixes family fun with golf

The family fun of the laid-back Par 3 Contest is back today at Augusta National Golf Club, with the first shot scheduled at noon.

The competitors work through nine holes ranging from 70 to 140 yards in the northeast corner of the Augusta National grounds. There have been nearly 100 holes-in-one during the contest — nine of them in 2016.

Dating back to 1960, it’s technically a competition, but it’s really all about fun.

7:28 a.m.: Today will stay dry with a high near 80

Most of today will stay dry ahead of a chance for thunderstorms Thursday morning and very windy conditions through Friday.

Today will be cloudy early with some sun by the afternoon. Temperatures will be seasonal during the day and top out near 80 in the afternoon. Wind will be out of the south between 5-10 mph.

We have issued a FIRST ALERT for heavy rain and wind Thursday.

APRIL 9, 2024

4 p.m.: What fatherhood has brought to Brooks Koepka

Being a dad has brought a new dimension to Brooks Koepka’s life, he said Tuesday ahead of the Masters Tournament.

“It’s the best – it really is,” he said.

“It’s the coolest experience, and every day, it just seems to get better and better,” he said.

“I’m just trying to set a good example for him and be the best man I can be,” he said.

And that means being there for his family.

“Golf is what I do it’s not my entire life,” he said.

Will this be Koepka’s year at the Masters?

He thinks he’s played Augusta National enough to learn its intricacies, he said.

“I think maybe you pick up something each year you play,” he said.

“Each year, you learn a little bit more and try to progress a little.”

What does he think when he comes to Augusta National and sees all the green jackets?

“I want one,” he said.

3:22 p.m.: How 2024 favorite Scheffler feels about Masters

2022 Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, a favorite to win this year’s tournament, sat down for an interview Tuesday at Augusta National Golf Club.

His 2022 victory is still strong in his memory.

“I just think it was a good experience,” he said. “It was obviously a ton of fun.”

He hopes to keep coming back.

“I like competing here and hopefully will be out here competing for a long long time,” he said.

The course does have unique challenges.

“It swirls like crazy around this place and you have to stay patient,” he said.

“This is a place where it’s extremely important to have that trust in yourself.”

If there’s something he’s learned since winning the Masters, it’s the importance of rest.

He said he’s not big on heavy practice during a tournament week.

“If I’m out there tomorrow afternoon still searching for my swing, I’m probably not going to find it,” he said, “and if I do, it was probably there all along.”

As important as golf is to him, having values and being a good person is even more important,

“Becoming a good golfer can bring you some momentary joy, but it doesn’t really sustain you for very long,” he said.

2:56 p.m.: ‘It still gets you’ to come to Masters, Spieth says

Jordan Spieth took a few moments for an interview on Tuesday, the second practice day ahead of the 88th Masters.

He said Augusta National Golf Club just keeps growing on him – and it still gets to him that he prevailed at the tournament before.

“It catches you at different times than it used to, but it still gets you,” he said.

“I don’t know of a place that requires such a combination of hit and spin, no matter whether its a bunker or a fairway,” he said.

Each year, you gain a little experience, which helps a lot, he said.

And the Masters is special because “it’s the most visible tournament and of course all the crazy shots,” he said.

“I love it,” he said. “I love contending here.”

And the sport is special, too.

“It’s a beautiful game,” he said. ”It can be played by anyone at any level.”

2:03 p.m.: What Olazábal thinks about lengthening more holes

Hole No. 2 at Augusta National Golf Club is a little different for this year’s Masters Tournament.

The tee box has been moved back 10 yards and to the left.

This could give players a little something more to think about on the tee with a deep fairway bunker lurking.

José Maria Olazábal was asked Tuesday whether any other holes could still be lengthened.

“They have plenty of space, no questions about that, if they want to,” he said. “But I don’t think the golf course needs it anymore. I think even for today’s game with all those young kids hitting it very, very far, I still think this golf course is long enough.”

It’s just a matter of whether Augusta National wants to do it.

“I think the golf course is long enough, but if they want to, I’m pretty sure that they can find the space to do so,” he said.

1:38 p.m.: Couples hasn’t budged in his view on LIV Golf

The LIV-PGA Tour rivalry remains an undercurrent at this year’s Masters, much like it was last year – though it’s not as important to many players as it is to others.

Fred Couples has been outspoken in your of the PGA Tour. He was asked Tuesday if his views had changed.

“Well, has it changed? I don’t think I’ll ever understand it,” he said. “Maybe I’ll go to one and see what it’s really, really like. I know how great they are as players.”

MORE FROM NEWS 12:

• Competing tours converge in Augusta
• McIlroy and DeChambeau can agree on one thing

But he said he’s invested 44 years in the PGA Tour and doesn’t want to see people “picking on” a tour he thinks is very good.

“Now, everything can get better, but let me tell you, if the LIV Tour is better for golf, I’m missing something there,” he said. “But again, I’m not here to bash them anymore.”

He loves the players themselves, he said.

Still ... “please don’t tell me the LIV Tour is as good as the PGA Tour,” he said. “I don’t want to hear it.”

12:39 p.m.: McIlroy feels more in tune with his game now

Rory McIlroy sat down for an interview on Tuesday at Augusta National Golf Club ahead of the Masters.

Just about an hour earlier, golf superstar Tiger Woods had said it’s only a matter of when, not if, Mcilroy will win the Masters.

It did mean a lot to hear that from someone with the stature of Woods.

“No question, he’ll do it at some point,” Woods said. “He’s just – Rory’s too talented, too good. He’s going to be playing this event for a very long time. He’ll get it done. It’s just a matter of when.”

What does McIlroy think of that?

“Yeah, it’s flattering. It’s nice to hear,” he said.

“Does that mean that it’s gonna happen? Obviously not.”

Still, he knows he has the potential to win, and he has all the tools he needs. But it’s a matter of putting them to use.

Especially since he’s committed to playing more golf in the past year.

“I’m a little more in tune with where my game is and where my misses are,” he said.

“IK just think that patterns emerge the more that you play.”

He reflected on some of the changes to the course since he started playing it.

“The course over the years, it’s obviously gotten longer,” he said.

Also, “some of the areas around the greens have gotten a little sharper,” he said.

Despite all the stress of Masters week, he knows it’s important to take the time to enjoy the moment.

“Enjoy it and smell the – I guess not the roses but the azaleas – along the way,” he said.

12:25 p.m.: Starting times and featured groups announced

Augusta National Golf Club has released first-round and second-round groupings and starting times for the 2024 Masters Tournament.

Masters.com and the official Masters app will stream a Featured Groups channel. This offering, which will begin approximately five minutes before the first Featured Group’s starting time, will provide 18-hole, spotlight coverage of select groupings.

Thursday Featured Groups schedule:

• 10:30 a.m. Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, Nick Dunlap
• 10:54 a.m. Wyndham Clark, Viktor Hovland, Cameron Smith
• 1:24 p.m. Tiger Woods, Jason Day, Max Homa
• 2 p.m. Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood

11:24 a.m.: ‘I think I can get one more,’ Tiger says

Golf superstar Tiger Woods sat down for an interview today ahead of the Masters.

He said that despite the 2021 accident that severely injured him, the long recovery and ongoing health problems, it’s important to him.

“If it really comes together, I think I can get one more,” said the multi-time Masters champion.

“This tournament has meant so much to me and my life and my family,” he said.

“It’s been a part of my life to have won here as my first major as a pro.”

He said the whole sport remains important to him, and that’s what keeps him going.

“I love golf – I do. I played other sports growing up, but I have just always loved this sport,” he said.

“I love preparing, I love competing, I love that feeling when everything is on fire to win,” he said.

He’s had to make changes to his routine, his training and his game to keep playing. But it’s worth it.

“It’s a daily adaptation,” he said.

“My practice sessions certainly aren’t what they used to be,” he said.

He said he has to be more focused, and when he has a chance to get out and practice, he has to make every shot count.

“Some days, I feel really good and some days not so much,” he said.

“I ache every day,” he said.

Like the other players, he’s impressed with the condition of the course.

“When we came up here last weekend, it was in perfect shape, and it’s only gotten better,” he said.

Check back for updates.

10:06 a.m.: Rahm reflects on his year as reigning champion

Reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm was interviewed Tuesday morning at Augusta National Golf Club ahead of the Masters.

He said other than playing in the Masters, throwing the first pitch at the World Series was one of his most nervous moments in the past year. He said he was trying hard not to make a fool of himself.

He was asked about how he feels about leaving the PGA Tour for LIV Golf. You still have to play at the same level as with the PGA Tour, and that hasn’t changed, he said.

As part of LIV, he said he loves sharing a common goal with other players as a team.

“That’s something I was jealous of from any other sport,” he said.

However, “I still love the PGA Tour,” he said.

And he still loves the Masters.

“I want to win as bad as I did before I went to LIV,” he said.

He said he’s looking forward to tonight’s Champions Dinner, which he picked the menu for.

“Everybody I’ve talked to seems very excited about the menu, so that takes some pressure off me,” he said.

Any regrets?

He wishes he’d worn his green jacket more.

9:46 a.m.: Hovland gets inspiration from being at Augusta National

Whenever Viktor Hovland arrives at Augusta National and sees the green jackets, he hopes to earn one.

But just being here is special, he said.

“It is a pretty special jacket and just to be d with this place in any way, that’s pretty cool,” he said. “Just being here is pretty special, so I’m trying to enjoy that and certainly have to take care of a lot of stuff until we get there, hopefully, on Sunday. But, yeah, just enjoying every minute.”

Still, it’s a stressful week, so what is it about the club or the course that brings him delight or joy?

“You just feel the atmosphere or the history in the walls. It’s, like, as soon as you enter the property, it’s like a spiritual experience, if anything,” he said. “Like, you just feel the emotions and you feel like you’re on very – just at a different place and you all the other Masters championships that have been played here before. You the highlights. Yeah, it’s just cool to be a part of that, so there’s just a lot of gratitude and just excitement to get the tournament going and hopefully put your name in that list as well, so just super exciting to be here.”

9:39 a.m.: Honorary starters to launch Masters on Thursday

On Thursday, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson will serve as the honorary starters for the 2024 Masters Tournament. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7:40 a.m. on the No. 1 tee.

Nicklaus, Player and Watson combined are the winners of 11 Masters Tournaments and have made 140 tournament appearances.

The custom of having honorary starters began in 1963 with Jock Hutchison (1963-1973) and Fred McLeod (1963-1976) performing the duties. Byron Nelson (1981-2001, non-consecutive), Gene Sarazen (1981-1999), Ken Venturi (1983), Sam Snead (1984-2002), Arnold Palmer (2007-2016), Nicklaus (2010-present), Player (2012-present), Lee Elder (2021) and Watson (2022-present) have continued the tradition.

8:20 a.m.: Will buried coin bring luck to Matthieu Pavon?

Fifteen years ago, when Matthieu Pavon’s mother came to Augusta National, she secretly buried a coin behind the grandstand of the old driving range. It was meant to serve as a good-luck charm — an offering of sorts to the golfing gods — that her son would one day grow up to play in the Masters.

After winning the Farmers Insurance Open last month, which earned Pavon an invitation, that dream will be realized.

“It will be pretty impossible to find that coin again, but it doesn’t matter,” said the 31-year-old Pavon, the first Frenchman to win a PGA Tour event since World War II, adding Monday that he has no plans to go digging for buried treasure. “I think it’s part of the story, and it’s only better that that coin maybe stays here forever.”

Pavon has a 2-year-old son now and he spent time thinking about that story coming full circle.

“I’m going to get a coin myself, bury it somewhere for maybe wishing that my son one day will come as a player over here,” he said. “I don’t know if he wants to play golf. It doesn’t matter. But maybe I wish that. It would be fun if in the next 20, 30 years my son gets here as a player. That would be an awesome story.”

8:12 a.m.: Golfers paying more attention to sun safety

A day after the eclipse, let’s talk about sun safety.

Golfers are more exposed to the sun for longer periods of time than players in any other sport. The weekday rounds last five hours. Throw in an hour of practice before the round, sometimes after, and it adds up quickly.

So golfers like Masters competitor Camilo Villegas are paying more attention to safety, and it’s not just about sunscreen.

7:51 a.m.: We’ll hear from some big names today

We’re going to hear from quite a few players today on the second day of practice ahead of the 88th Masters Tournament. Look for coverage of the interviews right here.

Here’s a look at the schedule:

• 9:30 a.m.: Viktor Hovland
• 10 a.m.: Jon Rahm
• 11 a.m.: Tiger Woods
• 12:30 p.m.: Rory McIlroy
• 1 p.m.: Ludvig Åberg
• 1:30 p.m.: Wyndham Clark
• 2:30 p.m.: Jordan Spieth
• 3 p.m.: Scottie Scheffler
• 3:30 p.m.: Brooks Koepka

7:45 a.m.: Morning starts out with sprinkles

There’s a light sprinkle this morning at Augusta National Golf Club. The rain is expected to this morning, possibly by 9 a.m., with mostly cloudy conditions to follow.

We can expect seasonal temperatures today, Wednesday and Thursday. Our next front brings a chance for thunderstorms Thursday with very windy conditions in the forecast Thursday and Friday.

APRIL 8, 2024

5:26 p.m.: Gamecock fans come out to Augusta National

It wasn’t just golf fans who were at Augusta National Golf Club today.

One group of patrons coming off a big victory were the Gamecocks in the gallery.

That maroon-and-black combo was easy to spot.

So were the smiles.

There were a lot of Gamecock logos out today after Dawn Staley took the girls all the way, winning the national basketball championship Sunday.

“You know you’re out here, oh, yeah, taking a day off work. Feeling good. It’s a beautiful day. It doesn’t get better than this. Especially after the win yesterday. Yeah. It’s been awesome,” said Daniel Schwartz, a Gamecock fan from Charleston.

5:15 p.m.: Downtown fountains go green in honor of Masters

Off the course, you may notice more green in downtown Augusta.

It’s in honor of the tournament that brings golf enthusiasts to the river region every year since 1934.

Among the things going green are water fountains. It may klook like St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s actually Masters green.

There’s plenty to do in downtown Augusta, whether it’s dining at one of the many restaurants, getting a picture with the iconic James Brown statue or taking some of the tours being offered this week.

5:04 p.m.: Big names come out for practice rounds

We saw some big names out there on the course today.

Tiger Woods was in the first group to tee off this morning, playing with Will Zalatoris.

Tiger is aiming to make a bit of history this year.

He’s looking to make the cut for the 24th consecutive time.

He’s tied with Fred Couples and Gary Player for that record.

We also spotted world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

He’s had a hot start to the season as he looks for his second green jacket.

And we also saw Will Zalatoris out there, making his third Masters start.

Zalatoris has played well there his first two times out, finishing second and tied for sixth.

4:09 p.m.: Masters never gets old for 2022 champion Hideki Matsuyama

Even on his 13th trip to the Masters, the tournament is still exciting for Hideki Matsuyama. And he never misses making a trip to the golf shop.

“It was really a long learning process on playing the course and how the course should be played here at Augusta National,” he said. “It’s been a wonderful experience, and I’ve learned a lot. Luckily, I was able to win and now preparing to hopefully get back into the winner’s circle here and another green jacket.”

What’s his favorite thing about coming?

“Just playing at Augusta National, that’s what I look forward to, yeah,” he said.

“Coming back to Augusta, I mean, it never gets old. I look forward, especially this year, to the Champion’s Dinner. It will be quite an event. I don’t have to worry about the menu or anything, just enjoy.”

2:39 p.m.: Eclipse offers a rare opportunity at Augusta National

Masters patrons and players alike donned their complimentary eclipse glasses to watch the rare solar eclipse.

Although the eclipse wasn’t total in Augusta, a good part of the sun was covered.

“I found a couple of Masters eclipse glasses, which I will be keeping those for absolutely the rest of my life. Those will be some collectibles that will be in my office forever. Yeah, I guess we got about four or so hours so I’ll be watching it,” Will Zalatoris said.

It was a family-oriented event for Luke List.

“I was talking to my daughter and you can make one out of cereal box, so she’ll probably use that over the cool Masters glasses,” he said.

“I don’t know, hopefully try to get off property by then and try to catch it with the kids.”

2:17 p.m.: Injury has been eye-opening for Zalatoris

Recovery from his injury is teaching Will Zalatoris the virtues of being patient.

It’s been a year to the day since he underwent surgery after a back injury took him out of last year’s Masters Tournament.

And the injury is something he has in common with Tiger Woods.

“Kind of a fun day to kind of come back and play and play nine holes with Tiger this morning, a guy who has really helped me a lot I guess with the rehab of coming back from my surgery,” Zalatoris said Monday.

“Obviously he had gone through way more than what I had gone through.”

It’s been a long journey, though.

“I feel great. This is the best I’ve felt, you know, the last -- I think the best way to put it is I kept thinking I was at 100% as I’ve come back, and each month I’ve picked up a little more speed, had a little more endurance.

So I think in reality, I kept thinking that I was at kind of what was going to be my 100%, and I think that’s part of the patience game. I got to the point where I feel like I can push harder in the gym and practice, but you just have to be patient. I am still only 27. I have a long career ahead of me and need to look at the long-term rather than the short-term.”

1:52 p.m.: Here’s some advice for Masters rookies

With a lot of rookies this year in the Masters, Luke List was asked Monday if he had any advice for them.

“You got to stick to your game plan, and, yeah, they all want to compete and make the cut and be low amateur,” he said.

The rookies who are professionals have dreams of winning, too.

“I try to heed the same advice to myself: Stick to your game plan. There will be some bad stuff happening out there and you try not to be too aggressive when that happens. Just plod along.”

Keegan Bradley also had some advice when asked.

“I would try to go play with one of the champions, one of the guys that have played well here. I would really take the time to really enjoy and look around. It’s such a stressful week, especially the first one. You can miss the accomplishment in your career to get out here,” he said.

“I think you got to take a second and enjoy being here.”

1:41 p.m.: Straka says Augusta National is ‘very demanding’

Sepp Straka said Monday he feels like he’s on track.

“I feel pretty good. My game’s been pretty decent. I haven’t really gotten the results I’ve wanted, but overall I feel like it’s in a good place. Golf course is in great shape. Really looking forward to this week,” he said.

But he’s not getting too comfortable.

“It’s a special place. It definitely has a way of making you uncomfortable when you’re out there, just shots that you have to hit, and it’s very demanding,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say I’m crazy comfortable, but I don’t think anybody is really that comfortable.”

1:32 p.m.: Van Rooyen feeling more comfortable with course

This is the third Masters for Erik van Rooyen, who feels a little more comfortable with the course now that the nerves are gone.

“State of mind, you know, your first Masters is obviously always a bit wow, like you’ve never been here before. It was sort of a pity that that was 2020 for me, but it was still amazing,” he said Monday.

“Now this time it doesn’t feel as new anymore, like I’m comfortable.”

1:22 p.m.: For amateur Christo Lamprecht, ‘it’s really a special thing to be a part of’

Amateur Christo Lamprecht says he’s fulfilled a promise to himself by coming to the Masters for the first time as a player instead of a patron.

“It’s my first time coming to the Masters. I promised myself the first time I come here is when I play, not come and watch,” he said Monday. “So this is so cool. It’s so fun. I have a bunch of friends from home that flew over. It’s fun to have some family and friends around. It’s pretty special.”

The amateur Masters players are a special club.

“Yeah, we’ve got the amateur dinner tonight, which I’m looking forward to. It’s really a special thing to be a part of. It’s already tough enough to play the Masters as a professional and even harder to play it as an amateur. I really am privileged just to be here and taking it all in,” he said.

He’s staying in the Crow’s Nest, the famed accommodation for amateurs at the top of the clubhouse.

“The Crow’s Nest is going to be fun. Only night I’ll be staying here, but I’m looking forward to it. Just sitting around with a bunch of amateurs and talking about our experiences and stuff, just being little kids in a toy store.”

12:51 p.m.: Where to watch the eclipse at Augusta National

Augusta National Golf Club advises patrons that the optimal viewing location for today’s eclipse is Amen Corner. Starting at 1:50 p.m., the eclipse will peak here at 76.1% coverage at 3:08 p.m., and the eclipse will end at 4:32 p.m.

Patrons will be wearing the eye-protecting eclipse glasses that were handed out as they entered the gates.

12:10 p.m.: Couple gets engaged at 12th hole

As usual, Augusta National Golf Club is the place for a special event during Masters week. A couple just got engaged at the 12th hole.

11:25 a.m.: Here’s the final list of invitees

10:01 a.m.: An update on grass length at Augusta National

Augusta National Golf Club issued a statement on the latest mowing. Here’s the height of cut of grass on the golf course:

• Tees: 5/16 inch
• Fairways: 3/8 inch
• Second cut: 1 3/8 inch
• Collars: 1/4 inch
• Greens surrounds: 5/16 inch
• Greens: 1/8 inch

All mowing is subject to weather conditions and growth, Augusta National Golf Club said.

8:56 a.m.: Tiger sighting on the practice range

Fan favorite Tiger Woods is still drawing attention as he practices this morning at Augusta National.

He’ll play in this year’s Masters, though he had to bow out on the final day last year because of ongoing pain issues.

8:49 a.m.: Concession area at No. 8 has a new look

The concession area near hole No. 8 has been completely redone this year.

It’s enlarged and revamped, and azaleas have been planted. The golf shop that used to be a hut is now part of the building, with offerings of flags, hats, dolls and other kick-knacks.

8:45 a.m.: Course gets raves from patrons

People are saying the course at Augusta National Golf Club this year is looking the best they’ve ever seen it. The famed azaleas are at peak bloom right now.

8:40 a.m.: Sign still being made for Bhatia

Akshay Bhatia is such a late entry to the Masters that his name is still being printed for the player board at hole No. 1.

He secured a spot on Sunday by winning a playoff at the Texas Open.

This morning, the area around the leaderboard at Augusta National Golf Club is roped off so Bhatia’s name can be added once it’s printed.

Bhatia nearly celebrated too soon Sunday, hurting his left shoulder while pumping his arms on a 12-foot birdie to force a playoff. He recovered to make birdie on the first extra hole and win the Texas Open over hard-luck Denny McCarthy to earn a trip to the Masters.

8:16 a.m.: Patron shop line gets too long

The line at the patron shop has gotten so long that people are being turned away and told to check back in a few hours.

8 a.m.: Patrons get complimentary eclipse glasses

Patrons are getting free eclipse glasses today at the Masters Tournament, with a partial solar eclipse this afternoon. Although the eclipse won’t be total for us in Augusta, it should be quite a sight when it happens around 1 p.m.

Mostly clear skies are expected when the eclipse starts at 1:50 p.m.

It will end at 4:23 p.m., with maximum coverage occurring at 3:08 PM.

7:45 a.m.: Long flight from Hong Kong was worth it for patron

Among the patrons at this year’s Masters practice rounds in J.P. du Plessis.

The South African who lives in Hong Kong has been trying to get tickets for 10 years.

It was such a long wait that when he got the mail, he thought it was a scam.

But the long flight was well worth it for him.

7:30 a.m.: The front gates have opened at Augusta National

Gates to the course opened at 7:30 a.m. at Augusta National Golf Club for the first day of practice rounds at the Masters. The entrance gates opened at 7 a.m.

7 a.m.: Dry conditions, mostly sunny skies expected

Dry conditions and a steady warmup will continue for the first day of Masters practice rounds.

Temperatures will warm to right around average today, then we can expect warmer-than-average temperatures Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

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