Aussie finds little cheer in beer cup

DUNKING his second shot into a fan’s beer cup has helped ensure Jason Day continues his record of sloppy starts to the Masters.

Day admitted he faced an uphill struggle after posting a disappointing three-over-par 75 that left the former world No. 1 nine shots adrift of firstround leader Jordan Spieth.

Day’s second shot on the par-4 first hole bounced off a patron watching from under the trees and into his cup.

Having waited while the man chugged the beer before handing the ball back, Day got a free drop but made a bogey, which set the tone for a patchy round.

The 11-time US PGA Tour winner continued to plummet down the leaderboard, making the turn at four over, but steadied the ship on the back nine.

In his seven previous Masters appearances, Day averaged 72.29 for opening rounds and ensured he shot over par for the second consecutive Thursday at Augusta.

“I need to start better; it’s disappointing,” Day said. “So I have a lot of work to do over the next few days.”

Fellow Australian Marc Leishman lapped up the spotlight of playing with comeback king Tiger Woods and shot a fine 70, four shots behind the leader Jordan Spieth.

Shooting 70 was good, but soaking up the pressurepacked atmosphere of an Augusta crowd energised by the return of Masters hero Woods was even better.

Leishman has major ambitions and by leading the Aussie charge he signalled an intent to take his best well in to the weekend.

“I looked as it as a good thing, because if I am going to win this on Sunday afternoon, I’m going to have to deal with crowds like that, and the energy around the grounds,” the Victorian said.

Woods finished his first round with a one-over 73.