With the hottest golfer on the planet withdrawing injured, unheralded Charley Hoffman has turned the 2017 Masters on its head with one of the best opening rounds in Augusta National history.
But can he continue with it.
Just two Masters champions in the past 30 years have led the tournament after the first round -Jordan Spieth in 2015 and Trevor Immelman in 2008.
World No.1 Dustin Johnson entered the year's first major with three US PGA Tour wins in as many starts, but injured his back falling down a staircase on Wednesday.
The big-hitting American warmed up but withdrew minutes before he was scheduled to tee off on day one.
"The issue is I can't swing full. I can't make my normal swing and I didn't think there was any chance I could compete," Johnson said.
It opened the door for little-known Hoffman's seven-under-par 65 on Thursday (Friday AEST), which drew comparisons to Australian Greg Norman's record low first round of 63 during the Shark's infamous 1996 Masters.
The 40-year-old Hoffman's sensational score was particularly memorable in the brutal winds that wreaked havoc on the rest of the field as he bridged a gap of four shots over fellow American William McGirt (69) and Englishman Lee Westwood (70).
"For lack of any better words, it was a dream," said Hoffman.
But with more gusty conditions forecasted for Friday's second round, Hoffman has no plans of slowing down.
And Hoffman's Masters record suggest he can sustain his red-hot form with a share of ninth and two top-30 finishes in three starts at Augusta.
"I enjoy the challenge and I've had success in the wind like San Antonio," said Hoffman, recalling the windy conditions he won in at the 2016 Texas Open.
Australian chances at Augusta were set back heavily on a day when only 11 players broke par.
Marc Leishman was left to fly the Australian flag after shooting a 73, but the recent US PGA Tour winner will start day two eight shots off the pace.
Leishman, who mastered his craft in the coastal winds of Warrnambool, Victoria, welcomed the 35km/h gusts predicted for Friday as he looks to better a best finish of fourth place at the 2013 Masters.
"I'm feeling good, in a good spot off the course, game is probably the best it has ever been coming in to the Masters and I enjoy playing in the wind," said Leishman.
World No.3 Jason Day and Rod Pampling (74) are next best of the Aussies, and they are followed by 2013 winner Adam Scott who is one shot further back at three over.
Scott is joined by 2015 Masters winner Jordan Spieth, who conquered his demons with a par at the 12th hole he butchered in 2016 but racked up a disastrous quadruple-bogey nine at the par-5 15th en route to a 75.
Amateur world No.1 Curtis Luck made a disappointing Masters debut, with the soon-to-be-Perth professional signing for a 78.
World No.2 Rory McIlroy, who is chasing a career grand slam, shot even par as he tries to capture an elusive Masters title to add to his four majors.
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