The Masters: Cameron Smith’s clunky bookends mar superb opening chapter

The whiff of abnormality prevailed at Augusta National on Thursday morning. An epic overnight storm – during which thunder cracked over Augusta for hours on end – led to a delay in play getting under way. This venue’s famous azaleas are not in full bloom, the consequence of previous weather issues. Gary Player had already caused red faces among Green Jackets by donning a Saudi Arabian advertising logo for honorary starting duties by the time the South African offered an obscure perspective on the merits of India.

“I love India, the intelligence, the technology, the manners,” Player said. “The women dress so nicely. I’m so used to seeing women with damn dresses up their bum and you don’t see anything like that in India.” Where to begin.

Thankfully, a semblance of natural order soon appeared. Tiger Woods rolled back the years and commanded the cheers. Cameron Smith, seeking to become the only player other than Woods to claim the Players Championship and Masters in the same year, again proved his Augusta specialism. Dustin Johnson, the 2020 champion, used the afternoon to maraud through the field. Scottie Scheffler, golf’s hottest property on account of three wins since February, moved to within touching distance of the lead. We have a major on our hands, which should soon render the elements and Player’s strange antics an irrelevance.

Woods is the name on everybody’s lips. Twas ever thus. He played perfectly controlled golf for six holes – at which point he was one under – before a wayward tee shot at the 7th. Woods duly saved par, thanks to a wonderful chip. He cut a frustrated figure after a wasteful dropped shot at par five eighth and was again agitated following a pulled drive at the tricky 9th. Was the fairytale to