US Masters: England's Ross Fisher made a dream start to his Masters debut today and led the opening major of the year after eight holes. The 28-year-old birdied the long second, third, sixth and eighth holes to open a two shot lead at Augusta.

On four-under par, Fisher — winner of the European Open last year — enjoys a two shot advantage over Stephen Ames, Shingo Katayama and Dustin Johnson.

Lee Westwood and Bernhard Langer were among those only three behind while Padraig Harrington, one of three Irish challengers in Georgia, teed off shortly after 3pm Irish time and made a par on the first hole.

It is hard to imagine Tiger Woods giving a television interview just before embarking on a major but Harrington was prepared to as he arrived for the start of his bid to win a third successive one.

The Open and US PGA champion said that, for him, part of the key was “to smile and not get too intense”.

“I have to enjoy the challenge and see it as a challenge. I’ve got to stay patient and see what happens,” commented the Dubliner.

Graeme McDowell (4.40pm Irish time) and Rory McIlroy (7.03pm) have yet to get their campaigns underway.

Arnold Palmer, acting as honorary starter, got the tournament up and running this morning and his ceremonial drive found the fairway some 200 yards away.

At 73, Gary Player is six years younger than Palmer — and he was playing in the tournament for a record 52nd and final time.

The ovation he received walking on to and then off the first tee was certain to be followed by many more, but it was not for his drive — a nasty hook that finished nearer the ninth fairway than the first.

He bogeyed — and so did playing partner Luke Donald, who came up short with his approach.