The defending champion shot a bogey-free, four-under-par 68 in the opening round of the Masters, leaving him three shots off the lead and very much in contention for a record-tying sixth title.

It was a big surprise, considering the lacklustre form Woods had shown coming into this pandemic-delayed tournament.

Then again, Woods usually plays well at Augusta no matter the circumstances. Nineteen months ago, he rallied on the final day to win his 15th major title.

"It's just experience. It's just understanding how to play this golf course," Woods said. "I have a sense of ease when I come here."

It's the first time Woods has played the opening round at Augusta without a bogey, and only the second time he has started the tournament by breaking 70. He matched a 68 in the opening round of the 2010 Masters.

"It's just experience. It's just understanding how to play this golf course ... I have a sense of ease when I come here." – Tiger Woods

Also, it's the first bogey-free round for Woods in a major since the 2009 US PGA Championship at Hazeltine.

"I drove it well, I hit my irons well and I putted well," Woods said. "I did everything well today."

The American trails English clubhouse leader Paul Casey by three shots.

The 43-year-old carded a seven-under 65 – after missing the cut last year with rounds of 86 and 82.

Starting on the back side, Casey made five birdies and rolled in an eagle at the par-5 2nd hole to match his lowest score ever at the Masters. He headed into the clubhouse with a two-shot lead over Webb Simpson and Xander Schauffele.

Casey has never won a major title, but he's usually part of the mix at Augusta. He's had five top-10 finishes, with his best showing being a tie for fourth in 2016.

"I've not played particularly great golf since the whole pandemic hit," Casey said. "I put in a lot of hard work in a short amount of time and it paid off today with the score I shot."