AUGUSTA, Ga. -- The first round of the 2016 Masters felt like the fifth round of the 2015 Masters. It was that kind of day for Jordan Spieth, who a year ago brought Augusta National to its knees with an 18-under-par-green-jacket-winning romp.
On a cool, breezy Thursday, where birdies were difficult to come by, Spieth posted a 6-under-par 66 (33-33) to take an early three-stroke lead over one of his two playing partners, Englishman Paul Casey.
A couple of other favorites, Jason Day and Bubba Watson, were at 3-under when Spieth completed his round but neither had yet to make the turn and the afternoon forecast called for a stiffening wind with gusts of up to 25 mph.