American Charley Hoffman is the new favourite to win The Masters after a brilliant opening round on what was a difficult day at Augusta.

The winds were gusting throughout the day. but the 30-year-old – who finished 9th in the tournament back in 2015 – made light of the conditions to record a wonderful 65 putting him at -7.

.@hoffman_charley birdies 8 of his last 13 holes to take a 4-stroke lead in the first round of #themasters pic.twitter.com/jCD04R2V0a

— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 6, 2017

Not many people mentioned Hoffman in the build up to The Masters – but TheGamblingTimes.com did in our preview…

“I hit it solid in the win and then made the 15-20 footers, I just kept hitting my spots and I hit a few real close near the end which is a real bonus,” said Hoffman after completing his memorable round.

Hoffman is four clear of fellow countryman William McGirt who came home with a 69 -3 but whilst the Americans lead the way with six players in the top-ten, there was also a great day for the English with four of them making up the top-ten.

Watch @WilliamMcGirt's first round in under three minutes. #themasters pic.twitter.com/gPOuSwPDle

— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 6, 2017

The best of the English invaders was last year’s runner-up Lee Westwood finishing with a 70 including five birdies in-a-row on the back.

“I made a few putts on the back nine, anything can happen and you can’t panic – I didn’t get too aggressive,” said Westwood.

Making up the top-ten was a bunch of Americans and Englishman on 71. For the local there was Kevin Chappell, Jason Dufner, Russell Henley and former champion Phil Mickelson. The English 71s were Justin Rose, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Andy Sullivan.

Solid start in really tough conditions…. Three more days grinding! (71 -1) ? #themasters pic.twitter.com/TbDxzD9Pzk

— Justin Rose (@JustinRose99) April 6, 2017

Other notable first round efforts included Rory McIlroy, who battled back from a poor opening, to level par whilst Sergio Garcia was the only other player to finish in the red on -1 as he enjoyed a bogey free round.

The bookmakers have made Hoffman favourite at 6/1 but most make McIlroy co-favourite, with Justin Rose the next best at 10/1.

World number one Dustin Johnson was the other story of the day as he confirmed he would not be playing just moments before he was due to tee off – after he injured his back following down stairs on Wednesday.