Thursday at the Masters produced plenty of low scores to the surprise of many. In all there were 38 rounds under par, a record for the first round. Well, so much for the theory that lengthening the course (it has been increased over 500 yards this past decade) would make it too tough. Chad Campbell, who leads after the first day with a 7-under 65 , noted "They must have felt sorry for us."
Campbell was right. Although the perfect weather helped the players, the club's decision to have soft and slow greens was the greatest factor in allowing for such a birdie festival. Gone, at least for a day, were the ultra fast greens the course is known for.
Of course this made many players happy and created a certain sense of excitement among the crowd. Old-timers like Greg Norman (-2) and Larry Mize (-5) not only had great days, but they even believed they should have scored lower. Campbell stormed out of the gate with five straight birdies making many believe he would challenge the course record.
But this is the Masters, the first major tournament of the year. Should it be this easy?
