The Latest: Masters 1st round halted with 44 on the course

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — The Latest on the Masters, the final golf major of the year.

Play has stopped for the day at the Masters, with Paul Casey in the lead and almost half the field unable to complete the first round because of a three-hour weather delay in the morning.

Casey shot a 7-under 65 and sat two strokes ahead of Webb Simpson, Xander Schauffele. Justin Thomas also was 5 under, but he only completed 10 holes. Defending champion Tiger Woods shot 68.

Play stopped after only about a half hour Thursday morning when lighting was spotted in the area. With the delay, 44 players will return Friday morning to complete the first 18 holes.

Tiger Woods has always been a notoriously slow starter at Augusta National, even while winning five green jackets. Not this year.

The defending champion shot a bogey-free, 4-under 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 lackluster 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.

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

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