The venerable Masters took a major hit Thursday when Dustin Johnson pulled out due to his back injury incurred at home the day before, just moments before his scheduled tee-off time of 2:03. That left Charley Hoffman to steal the show with a 7-under-par 65 and a four-stroke lead.

    Dustin was shown on TV practicing on the driving range for quite awhile, but it was evident from his movements he wasn't comfortable and the withdrawal came as no surprise. The surprise turned out to be Hoffman, who overcame the elements - winds gusting to 30 and 40 miles per hour - despite a very slow start. Charley made two bogeys and one birdie on the first five holes, then unleashed a birdie barrage to leave the field behind. He birdied 6, 8 and 9 to turn in 2-under 34, and scorched the back nine with a birdie on 12, and four in a row from 14 to 17 for an incoming 31. He was four in front of William McGirt, who shot 69.   

    Lee Westwood emulated Hoffman somewhat, walking out of the gate with a 3-over 39 on the front nine. But the 44-year-old from England went Charley one better, making five birdies in a row from 13 through 17 for a 31 and 2-under 70. He was all alone in third, one stroke better than a group at 1 under which included Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia. 

    The projected cut for the top 50 and ties was 3 over after day one, and many big names were in trouble. Seminole Brooks Koepka was under the line at 2-over 74, but Daniel Berger posted a 5-over 77. No Gators made the field. 

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