AUGUSTA, Ga. -- This is the Augusta National that leaves you breathing fire rather than soaking in its beauty, spewing expletives rather than hosannas, walking off bewildered.
Other than Justin Rose, who somehow shot 7-under-par 65 after not playing for more than a month, most of those who traversed the hallowed ground Thursday during the opening round of the Masters left battered, with egos bruised.
"I fought hard, but I feel like I just came out of the ring with Evander Holyfield, like a 12-round match,'' said 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia, who shot 75.