Masters 2012: 10 Things We Learned on Day 1

With the first day of the Masters over, I must say some things happened that I expected, while other things totally came out of Amen Corner (sorry, tried for a golf reference).

At the end of Day 1, Lee Westwood is on top of the leaderboard at five-under par, while 28 other players also shot under par.

From the threat of rain to the great shots throughout the day, the first day has shown us that nothing is guaranteed and the rest of the tournament is going to be just as exciting.

Here's a look at 10 things we learned from Day 1.

Henrik Stenson Hates the 18th Hole

Henrik Stenson was having the tournament of his life, heading into the final hole with the lead at five-under par.

Then came the 18th hole.

Eight shots later, Stenson was done and was tied for 15th at one-under par.

Although the 18th hole gave him trouble, Stenson's one-under par is still his best round at the Masters in his career.

So, at the end of the day, it was still an overall good day for Stenson.

Tiger Woods Is Never Happy

Tiger Woods shot even par in the first round, but he's still not happy.

And, when you're the former top player in the world, should you be satisfied with even par?

Woods had his opportunities today to get under par, but left putts just short.

Still, he's in contention and with a good day in the second round, he could set himself for a green jacket run over the weekend.

Top Player in the World?

Luke Donald is the top player in the world.

He didn't play like it on Day 1, as he shot a three-over par—hardly an impressive first-day showing at the Masters for the top-ranked player in the world.

But, being the professional he is, I wouldn't expect to see Donald struggle again on Day 2.

If he does, he'll miss the cut, and seriously put into question his top ranking.

Course Conditions Playing Big Role

Multiple players struggled with the conditions on the course, as the water left from the rain is making players adjust their games.

This could be the reason that some of the top players in the world are struggling.

We'll see on Day 2 when the conditions are expected to be a little bit better.

Who Is Francesco Molinari?

I'll admit, I didn't know who Francesco Molinari was before today.

After watching him, though, I have to say I'm pretty impressed with his approach shots and his greens in regulation.

After a bogey on the 12th hole, Molinari recovered to birdie the 13th, 15th and 16th holes to go into the clubhouse tied for fourth at three-under par.

I think it's safe to say I've found my underdog I want to win.

Nothing's Ever a Guarantee

The one thing we all know is that the player who wins the Masters isn't usually the best player of the tournament.

The player who wins is the one who adapts best to the weather and course conditions, playing it safe at times and taking chances when the opportunity arises.

Last year, despite his collapse on the final day, Rory McIlroy was the best player in the tournament.

This year, we still need to wait until Day 2 is finished to even guesstimate who is playing the best.

But, one thing is for sure, if you don't adapt, you're not going to win.

Some Already Eliminated

Unless a miracle happens, I think it's safe to say that 13 golfers are eliminated from making the cut, including the likes of K.J. Choi and Ian Woosnam.

With scores of five-over or worse, I just don't see any way how these players can make up that distance.

I'm expecting the cut to be around one or two-over par, so these 13 golfers are going to have a lot to do if they want to make the cut, especially Sandy Lyle, who is 14-over par.

First Hole Is Tough

There's an old saying that it doesn't matter how you start a race, it only matters how you finish it.

When it comes to the Masters, sure it matters how you finish, but you also need a good start.

And, only three golfers got off to a good start by getting a birdie on the first hole.

Those three players are in the top 14.

Rory McIlroy and Angel Cabrera were two of the players who took six shots on the par-4 first hole, but still recovered to go even par for the entire day.

Vijay Singh Knows How to Finish

The day didn't start out great for Vijay Singh as he bogeyed the first and fourth holes.

After getting a birdie on both the eighth and ninth holes, Singh went back over par by shooting a five on the par-four 10th hole.

But, not to worry, Singh closed the day with four birdies and one bogey on the rest of the back nine, to come into the clubhouse at two-under par.

Could the old-timer be making another run at a green jacket?

Jim Furyk Is Consistent

How's this for a stat line—par, birdie, par (next 15 holes) and birdie.

Jim Furyk was the most consistent player of the first round, setting himself up for the second round.

Although he had opportunities to take more chances, Furyk instead decided to get himself in contention and have a solid first round.

The second round is where I believe he'll start taking a few more chances in an effort to move up the leaderboard.