Weathering the winds: Charley Hoffman takes a four-shot lead into the Masters second round after high winds affected the opening round. | Photo Credit: LUCY NICHOLSONmore-inAmerican journeyman Charley Hoffman led the US Masters after firing a sparkling 65 in a wind-swept first round on Thursday as World No. The 40-year-old Hoffman made nine birdies, including four in a row from the 14th hole, to tame the fiendish Augusta National course and finish on seven under par, four shots clear of compatriot William McGirt and five ahead of England’s Lee Westwood. Hoffman, who has won four PGA Tour titles, played a flawless back nine to forge ahead of World No. 1 Westwood, joint runner-up last year, made five successive birdies late in his round to soar into contention to win a long-awaited first major.

Source: The Hindu April 07, 2017 15:56 UTC