Fans flood the course as they prepare to watch the world's best golfers practise ahead of the 2007 Masters

Augusta's famous Azaleas provide a stunning backdrop despite the early gloom surrounding the Georgia course

Phil Mickelson sizes up the second fairway at Augusta as he prepares to defend his Masters title

Tiger Woods hits an iron on the par-four third as he fine-tunes his game before bidding for a fifth win at Augusta

The sun starts to break through the trees surrounding the 16th green as more players begin their practice rounds

Woods is joined by 1998 Masters champion Mark O'Meara during the first day of practice at the famous course

Scotland's Richie Ramsay plays at Augusta after becoming the first British golfer since 1911 to win the US amateur title

South Africa's Ernie Els, who is aiming to win his first ever Green Jacket, splashes out of a bunker beside the first green

Els is partnered by compatriot, and three times champion, Gary Player, who is making his 50th appearance at Augusta

Augusta debutant Bradley Dredge is given some tips by fellow Brit Paul Casey who is entering his third Masters

And Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke will be looking to improve on his best finish of tied eighth in 1998 on his 10th visit

Scotland's Colin Montgomerie continues his quest for an elusive Major in his 15th appearance at the Masters

Padraig Harrington is hoping to become the first European since Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999 to win the Green Jacket