Herman and Bowditch begin 80th Masters

The 80th edition of the Masters tournamentstarted under brightening skies early Thursday as American Jim Hermanand Australian Steven Bowditch began play in the first round at 8.20am (1220 GMT).The two-ball were the first on the course after honorary startersGary Player and Jack Nicklaus struck the opening tee shots withArnold Palmer also in attendance.Overnight rain means the greens could be more receptive to the earlystarters while later in the day the wind is also expected to pick up.Defending champion Jordan Spieth begins alongside England's PaulCasey and US Amateur champion Bryson DeChambeau at 1348 GMT whileNorthern Ireland star Rory McIlroy restarts his bid for a careergrand slam alongside Martin Kaymer and Bill Haas in the final groupat 1801 GMT.Other groups of interest include two-time winner Bubba Watson playingwith Branden Grace and Ian Poulter at 1644 GMT and world number oneJason Day partnering Matt Kuchar and Ernie Els at 1706 GMT