As the 87th edition of Masters got underway, fans were pleasantly surprised to witness the heroics of World No. 9 Viktor Hovland on Thursday. Playing in the same group as Tiger Woods, the Norwegian golfer was able to steal the limelight away from the 15-time-major champion.

Hovland cut a striking figure in his colorful Masters-themed shirt as he joined Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka at the top of the leaderboard after a low-scoring opening round. Woods, vying for his 6th Masters title this year, struggled to find his footing at Augusta as Hovland created history.

Viktor Hovland overshadows Tiger Woods at the Masters

Playing in the same group as Woods, Hovland put together an eagle and five birdies for a blazing 65. It was a low-scoring day at the Augusta on Thursday owing to the benign conditions.

Hovland’s 65 is also the lowest round ever shot by a golfer when put in the same group as Tiger Woods at the Masters. Initially, the 25-year-old Norwegian hurled a 200-yard 6-iron to the green at No. 2 and made an eagle. Among all of his birdies, Hovland made a skillful pitch from a tough spot above the bunker at 10 to save par. And with an unthinkable greenside bunker shot at the 18th, the young golfer managed to settle close and save par.

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Following his performance, Hovland also talked about Woods’ influence. “It’s really cool to just be around him. He’s been such a huge influence to the game of golf, and obviously watched him hours growing up. And to get to play with him for the first time today was very special,” said the golfer about the five-time Masters winner.

Woods struggles to shoot 74

This year,  Tiger Woods is competing to equal Jack Nicklaus’ Masters record by winning his 6th green jacket. However, the 47-year-old struggled during his opening round at the Augusta.

Woods, struggling with injuries for the past few years, resigned to a 2-over-par 74 on the opening day. Per spectators, the golfer was in noticeable pain during the first round.

Following his dismal outing, Woods is now hoping to come back stronger in the next round. Whether the golfing legend will be able to magically turn things around down the line, only time will tell.

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What did you think of Viktor Hovland’s sensational performance on the opening day of Masters? Do you think the 5-time-Masters winner Woods will be able to turn things around this year? Let us know in the comments below!