Korea’s Sungjae Im quietly seized his first ever lead in a major championship following an opening 5-under 67 at the Masters Tournament on Thursday as Tiger Woods hogged the limelight with a triumphant return to competition, some 14 months after a horrific car accident.
Away from the glare of Augusta National’s patrons who were mesmerized by Woods’ latest comeback from a serious leg injury, the 24-year-old Im produced a workman-like performance with one eagle, five birdies and two bogeys to lead by one from Presidents Cup International teammate Cameron Smith, who bookended his round of 68 with double bogeys.
Former Masters champions, Danny Willet and Dustin Johnson, newly-minted World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Chilean rising star Joaquin Niemann all shot 69s as the...