The 32-year-old, who won his only major at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023, began the day level par but chipped his third shot to four feet at the par-five second to get his round up and running.

He then holed a 22-foot birdie putt at the next and knocked his tee shot at the short third to within eight feet to pick up his third shot in three holes.

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The American, who has only one other top-10 finish in 16 majors and whose best at Augusta is tied 46th, showed what could be done by taking advantage of the softer early morning conditions.

That offered hope to the likes of former champions Jon Rahm (six over), Jordan Spieth (level) and world number one Scottie Scheffler (two under), who were all due out before 10.30am local time (3.30pm BST).

Also included in that group of morning starters was Justin Rose, runner-up to Rory McIlroy a year ago, on two under and Bob MacIntyre, who was looking to save his tournament after a first-round 80 included a quadruple-bogey nine at the par-five 15th.

McIlroy was in the penultimate group out at 1.44pm (6.44pm BST) but afternoon conditions were predicted to be more difficult, with temperatures due to reach 28 degrees Celsius with the threat of scattered showers and potential thunderstorms forecast.