The Masters … You just can’t beat it for drama!

The day started with the favourite and world no. 1 Dustin Johnson pulling out of the event due to a back injury, and ended with journeyman Charley Hoffman producing one of the rounds of the event’s history in the face of strong, gusting winds. Hoffman shot a 65, to lead by four shots, the largest first round lead since 1955.

What does this all mean for our selections?

Well, we managed to get our money back on our pre-tournament tip, DJ. (Thanks Paddy Power.) While the playing conditions are still so uncertain–the wind is meant to blow again today–we are going to keep to keep our powder dry and see the state of the play after round two before putting this cash back to work.

Our each way selection for the tournament, Russell Henley, is nicely positioned at one under par. He placed tied fourth after round one, returning some profit on the each way bet that he leads after round one that we suggested as events surrounding DJ unfolded. (US Masters: Dusty and Gusty…) That said, the number of players on the -1 score meant that dead heat rules limited the winnings.

Elsewhere, Marc Leishman narrowly leads the race to be top Australian, by one shot from both Jason Day and Rod Pampling. In addition, Bernhard Langer trails both Fred Couples and Larry Mize in the race to be top senior, but not by a lot. (US Masters: Leishman, Langer Can Reward Backers)

And now we await what Friday brings in this eventful tournament!