Rough starts for Matsuyama, Hisatsune at Augusta National

                                                                                                                                   (Photo credit by Augusta National)

Hideki Matsuyama's chances of securing his second Masters Tournament victory have been dealt a significant blow, while Ryo Hisasutne also faces a tough challenge to prolong his debut campaign..

Matsuyama, in his 13th appearance at the Augusta National Golf Club, struggled to a four-over par 76 in Thursday's weather-affected opening round, managing only one birdie against five bogeys to mark his worst start in seven years.

He was provisionally tied for the 75th spot when the round was suspended at 7:51 p.m. due to darkness, with 27 players, including the legendary Tiger Woods, yet to finish their rounds.

However, a dismal start wouldn't trouble Matsuyama, the 2021 winner, given his history of turning things around. The last time he opened with a 76, in 2017, he bounced back brilliantly to finish tied-11th.

Matsuyama remains optimistic, believing he can weather the storm if his putter cooperates.

"I missed every putt I aimed to make, it feels frustrating to not capitalise on these chances. But I didn't execute any poor putts," said Matsuyama, who boasts eight top-20 finishes in his last nine outings.

"Tomorrow, I aim to refine my line reading and adjust to the green speed. With time still on my side, I'll concentrate on both my shots and putting. I'll give my all to ensure I don't conclude it tomorrow."

Matsuyama's sole cut miss at Augusta National came in 2014.

                                                                                                                                 (Photo credit by Augusta National)

Hisatsune faces an early elimination unless he produces something special, as he could only muster a 78 to land at a lowly T85.

Despite a bright start with a birdie on the second hole, the reigning French Open champion stumbled, dropping seven shots, including a double bogey on the 11th.

Hisatsune noted that while he managed to steady his nerves after feeling overwhelmed about his first major start, he found the windy conditions particularly challenging to navigate.

"I was more nervous on the first tee shot than I thought. I managed to stay calm afterwards, which was good, but the wind today was tough," Hisatsune explained.

"It was positive to start with a good par, but the challenging holes persisted, and I struggled to cope with them, which I regret. The wind was inconsistent, making it hard to gauge.

The first round was delayed by two and a half hours due to inclement weather, with tee-off finally taking place at 10:30 a.m.

Bryson DeChambeau, the 2020 U.S. Open champion, set the early pace with a blistering seven-under 65 to lead by one shot from world number one Scottie Scheffler.

"It's always great getting off to a hot start, three-under through the first three holes kind of gets you settled," said DeChambeau, who mixed eight birdies, including three of his opening holes, with a lone bogey.

"I knew it was going to be a tough day today with the wind and even tomorrow. So a lot of patience is required around this golf course and making sure you're just stroking on your line, putting it good, hitting good iron shots and driving it well.

"In order to win major championships, you've got to – especially out here, you've got to do everything well."