Phil Mickelson play.

Tiger Woods returned to the acid test of Augusta National on Thursday with a one-over par 73 in the first round of the Masters, declaring the experience “awesome”. The 42-year-old, who calls himself a walking miracle less than 12 months after spinal fusion surgery, produced a pair of top-five finishes on the PGA Tour to fuel expectations that he could seize a fifth green jacket — and a 15th major title — this week.

Jordan Spieth believes it is a case of panic over as he targets a second Masters title and the fourth major championship of his career. Spieth has been far from his best this season and reached a low point, particularly with his putting, with an opening 76 – while playing alongside Tiger Woods – in the Valspar Championship last month.

Women will compete at Augusta National for the first time from 2019 after Masters chairman Fred Ridley announced the creation of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship. The 54-hole strokeplay tournament will see 72 of the best amateur players in the world compete over two rounds at Champions Retreat golf Club in Augusta, with the leading 30 players then contesting the final round at Augusta National on the Saturday before the Masters.