Opening tee times, leaderboard and updates as Rory McIlroy begins title defence

McIlroy bids to join a select group of players to win The Masters back-to-back after sensationally ending his major drought a year ago
Rory McIlroy is among the early starters on the opening day of The Masters as the defending champion returns a year on from his stunning victory at Augusta.

McIlroy sensationally ended his long quest to win a Green Jacket when he completed the career Grand Slam a year ago , with the Northern Irishman now bidding to make more history by joining a select group of players to win back-to-back Masters.

The 36-year-old is now free from the burden and pressure of ending his major drought and will now be targeting more success, but a stacked field stands in his way - including world No 1 and 2024 Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and rival Bryson DeChambeau .

There is also a healthy group of contenders who will hope to keep the Green Jacket in European hands, with Jon Rahm , Tommy Fleetwood , Matt Fitzpatrick , Robert MacIntyre and last year’s runner-up Justin Rose all hoping to make a charge.

Follow live updates from the first round of The Masters, below
Absence of Tiger Woods casts a shadow over this year's Masters
It has felt like the build-up to The Masters were dominated by a former champion will not be appearing at Augusta this week.

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in his first public comments since the crash.

“I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.

This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”
Tiger Woods will miss Masters to ‘seek treatment’ in first statement since car crash
Frankie Fleetwood steals the show at Masters Par-3 contest
Frankie Fleetwood’s attempts to clear the water on the ninth green stole the show during the annual Par-3 contest at Augusta.

Sadly, the eight-year-old landed his best attempt 15 yards short and wet, after his father Tommy Fleetwood had talked up his quest to reach the green.

He’ll be back stronger next year.

Rory McIlroy is back at Augusta – but does he have the right mindset to win The Masters again?

The role of reigning Masters champion comes with a whole new set of challenges that make winning it all over again one of the hard tasks in golf, says former Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley
Rory McIlroy is back – but does he have right mindset to win Masters again?

Masters tee times: Selected first-round times
15:07 Bryson DeChambeau (US), Matt Fitzpatrick (Eng), Xander Schauffele (US)
15:31 Rory McIlroy (NI), Cameron Young (USA)
15:43 Viktor Hovland (Nor), Patrick Cantlay (US)
17:56 JJ Spaun (US), Tyrrell Hatton (Eng)
18:08 Jon Rahm (Spa), Ludvig Aberg (Swe)
18:20 Jordan Spieth (US), Justin Rose (Eng), Brooks Koepka (US)
18:44 Scottie Scheffler (US), Robert MacIntyre (Sco), Gary Woodland (US)
When is The Masters?

Dates, tee times and how to watch Augusta major
A year on: Rory McIlroy bids for back-to-back Masters
Twelve months on from the most dramatic of final Sundays, where history was written as Rory McIlroy completed the career grand slam and ended his long quest for Masters glory, the Northern Irishman returns looking to join select company.

McIlroy is this year bidding to become only the fourth man – and first in 24 years – after Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Sir Nick Faldo to win back-to-back Masters titles.

“It is so nice to just not have that hanging over me.

It feels that it’s a big weight off my shoulders,” McIlroy said this week.

Will it be the release he needs to make more history at Augusta?

And happy Masters day to all those who celebrate!

Welcome to the countdown to the opening tee at Augusta, with honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson getting us underway at 12.25pm BST (7.25am local).

Rory McIlroy will be among the early starters this afternoon and we will have all the build-up to this year’s tournament throughout the morning.

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