The 90th Masters opened Thursday, kicking off golf’s first major of the year at Augusta National. Amid the familiar pines and bustling concessions, Bubba Watson used his interview slot to wish Tiger Woods a swift rebound after the golfer’s recent DUI arrest. Watson’s remarks added a human‑interest angle to an otherwise pure‑golf showcase.

Max Homa surged early, carding an eagle on the par‑four No. 8 to move under par and signal his intent. Meanwhile, legends Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player took the ceremonial tee as Honorary Starters, underscoring the event’s reverence for its history. Social feeds lit up with clips of the trio’s jovial walk, reminding fans of the tournament’s storied pedigree.

First‑round scores set a tight leaderboard, with several contenders already within a shot of the lead. Early birdies on the front nine suggest low‑scoring potential as the course softens, while the presence of past champions adds pressure on the field to perform. As the greens dry later today, players will need precision to stay in contention.

Fans in the gallery responded enthusiastically, snapping photos of the iconic azaleas and cheering each swing. Television ratings surged as ESPN’s early coverage captured both the competitive drama and the tournament’s timeless atmosphere. With the weekend looming, the early narratives—Watson’s support for Woods, Homa’s surge, and the legends’ cameo—will shape the storylines that define this historic 90th edition.