Golf-Couples turns back the clock for fast start at Masters

Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 10, 2025 Fred Couples of the U.S. watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during the first round REUTERS/Mike Blake

AUGUSTA, Georgia (Reuters) - Former champion Fred Couples, in his 40th Masters start, said he was dog-tired but "happy as a clam" after carding an opening-round one-under 71 at Augusta National on Thursday.

Couples, 65, raised his fist in the air and kissed his club after he holed out from 191 yards on the par-four 14th for eagle under sunny skies and in front of a delighted crowd.