As Rory McIlroy got off to another sluggish start, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, and
Brooks Koepka blasted outstanding seven-under-par 65s to lead the Masters after day one.
The 33-year-old Northern Irishman shot a level-par 72 despite having five birdies in the hole.
Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, is in good position after shooting a four-under 68, while Tiger Woods struggled to a 74.
There is a chance of a Monday completion for the first time since 1983 because of the next two days' prediction for stormy weather.
The Masters' schedulers have moved Friday's tee times up by 30 minutes due to the anticipated Augusta rain.
At 12:30 BST, the second round will now begin.
On a scoreable opening day, though, the tranquil conditions on Thursday allowed 16 players to shoot under 70.