HAMPSHIRE'S Justin Rose produced a brilliant opening round at the Masters, tying for the overnight lead in the first major of the year.

The 27-year-old, who finished in a tie for fifth last year, carded a four-under-par 68, as the British contingent put in a strong show at Augusta.

Rose and South Africa's Trevor Immelman lead from a trio of players, including England's Lee Westwood, on three under.

In the early stages, it looked as if it might be a different story for Rose, after he bogeyed the first and fourth holes to leave himself two-over.

But a run of four birdies in a row, starting at the sixth hole, propelled him back up the leaderboard.

Rose strengthened his position further round Amen Corner, finding birdies at the treacherous par three 12th and par five 13th.

Rose, who parred out the rest of the way, is due off in Friday's final group, at 7.03pm BST.

Speaking after his round, Rose said: "I'm delighted really, all in all.

"There seems to be something good about the first day of Augusta for me.

"There's an exciting feeling about arriving here and that brings out the best in me.

"It's probably just the mental side of this golf course. I've learnt to be patient on it."

The start of play was delayed for an hour, due to fog, after former champion Arnold Palmer struck the ceremonial opening tee shot.

World number one Tiger Woods' bid for an unprecedented grand slam of majors initially looked to be faltering on the back nine, before he recovered to finish level par.

The four-times Masters champion began his opening round with 12 pars in a row, before a poor chip from the back of the 13th cost him a shot and a bogey at the 14th dropped him to two-over.

However, a brilliant chip from the back of the 15th earned him an eagle three and moved him back to level par.

England's Ian Poulter carded a two-under par 70, which included a hole-in-one at the 16th.

Scotland's Sandy Lyle, the 1988 champion, was three-under with four to play, before finishing level par.