Firm, fast Augusta set to test golf's best in 90th Masters
Defending champion Rory McIlroy, the world number two from Northern Ireland, practices putting on the sixth hole during a practice round ahead of the 90th Masters (Hector Vivas) The world's top golfers are gearing up for a demanding test at Augusta National, where firm, fast conditions await in Thursday's opening round of the 90th Masters. Longer rolls on the fairways will be countered by difficulty keeping approach shots on Augusta's undulating greens, which promise to be lightning-fast. "It's about patience like it always is around here," defending champion Rory McIlroy said, adding that if the dry, windy conditions persist "double digits under par would be an amazing (final) score.
" Honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson tee off at 7:25 a. m. (1125 GMT) to launch the battle for the green jacket, with McIlroy off at 10:31 a.
m. World number one Scottie Scheffler, a four-time major winner and two-time Masters champion, tees off at 1:44 p. m.
in the penultimate group. "I'm excited to get the week going," Scheffler said. "The golf course looks like it's going to get pretty firm and fast, so it should be an exciting tournament.
"Feeling pretty prepared. My prep work is mostly done. Just get out there and start competing.