Masters 2012 Leaderboard: Latest Updates for Players on the Course

The Masters are underway. Those are words that golf fans around the world have been waiting to hear for months. Augusta National Golf Club plays host to the first major of the season and always has a couple of surprises in store, as Rory McIlroy will attest.

Let's take an early look at how some golfers who went out in the morning are fairing so far. For a complete look at the current leaderboard all day long, visit the official tournament site.

Tiger Woods

All eyes will be on Woods throughout the event. After all, everybody wants to know if he's all the way back or if his win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational was simply a mirage. His performance in the early going has been promising, posting a one-under score through five holes.

Even though that doesn't seem like much, it's important to remember that Tiger usually takes a more conservative approach on the opening day to avoid a complete disaster. He then begins to turn up the heat. For example, his record-breaking score in 1997 started with a two-under first round.

Nothing in the first handful of holes has led me to change my mind about his chances. I still think he's the favorite to capture another green jacket.

Henrik Stenson

Stenson is best known for his Players Championship victory back in 2009, but he's never finished better than third in a major event. The best Masters finish in his career has been 17th. Therefore, to see him at three-under after seven holes qualifies as a surprise.

He ranks sixth in scoring average on the PGA Tour this season thanks to a strong all-around game. However, holding it together for all four rounds, especially with big names like Woods and McIlroy chasing him, won't be an easy task.

While his quick start sets him up to sneak into contention for the weekend, past performance says a top-10 finish would be a nice accomplishment for the Swedish star.

Martin Kaymer

After winning the 2010 PGA Championship, Kaymer rode a wave of momentum to the No. 1 ranking prior to last year's Masters. His results since then have been lackluster, however. Maybe his strong start at Augusta—one-under through 12 holes—will get him back on track.

He plays a high-risk game, as evidenced by his poor driving accuracy but high eagle rate, which has been working well so far. If he can maintain his current rhythm, he has enough firepower to be a threat on Sunday.

Even though he wasn't a trendy pick leading up to the tournament, don't be surprised if he starts getting some respect now that he's striking the ball well. He should remain in the mix.