Ernie Els finished his opening round at Augusta with an impressive two-under-par 70 on Friday. Bad light forced Els off the course with one hole to play on Thursday and he duly returned to grab his par to finish tied fourth.
Els went one better at the 11th on Thursday but then dropped a shot by three-putting at 12.
Five holes later, after birdieing the 15th, he again bogeyed after missing a 15-foot putt before the hooter sounded.
Other big names in contention include Phil Mickelson and 2003 USPGA champion Shaun Micheel, who shot 72s to be five off Rose's lead.
Also on level par are experienced duo Brad Faxon and Nick Price, while the 1992 Masters winner Freddie Couples and 2003 Open champion Ben Curtis are a shot further back.
MMIX
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