Justin Rose bloomed and Rory McIlroy blinked at Augusta National while Jason Day ensured Australia's under-the-radar Masters pursuit remained alive.
But looming large is defending champion Scottie Scheffler, after a day that began with prescient analysis from six-time champion Jack Nicklaus.
Day, who gave up a late lead to lose the green jacket to Adam Scott 12 years ago, barely missed a target in a bogey-free, two-under 70 on Thursday.
