Friday 7 April 2017 04:14, UK
Phil Mickelson believes that there are still plenty of opportunities for birdies despite players having to contend with strong winds at Augusta.
The 46-year-old, who is aiming to become the oldest player ever to win the Masters, recorded a one-under round of 71, including three birdies and an eagle on the second.
And while others spoke of the difficulties caused by the gusty conditions, Mickelson insists there were still chances to make gains.
"I thought anything at par or better was going to be a great score and it is," he said. "But because the greens are receptive, you can make birdies and you can stop balls on the greens and make easy pars on a lot of holes.
"The problem is there's a lot of holes out here that you can have a big number and you just have to be careful of that."
However, Mickelson conceded that a safety-first approach was still needed to avoid racking up big scores.
"You've got to think par first and then if the birdie opportunities are there, then great," he added. "[But] it's very playable, even in these challenging wind conditions."
Meanwhile, Ernie Els recovered from three over at the turn to card an even-par 72 after a run of four birdies in five holes between the 13th and the 17th.
"I played good golf on the back nine and I've got to keep doing what I did," the South African said. "We are going to be absolutely exhausted by the end of this week, if this weather keeps up.
"These are some of the toughest conditions I've ever played in. So we'll see how it goes."
Fred Couples defied expectations to shoot a one-over 73, including two birdies and three bogeys, but was in agreement with Els that conditions were incredibly tough.
"It was hard," Couples said. "I've never seen it like this. You have to putt well. To shoot even par was a really good score.
"What I did well was I judged the shots into the wind exceptionally well today. And that was just getting the ball up around the greens, you know.
"No 1, right out of the hopper was very difficult, a lot of shots are left to right and you hit them right into the wind and they just go forever in the wrong direction."
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