Masters 2018 leaderboard LIVE: Latest scores as Tiger Woods returns to Augusta

The first golf major of the year is finally upon us as the world’s best flock to Georgia bidding to win that elusive green jacket.

Sergio Garcia is looking to retain his title after storming to victory last year, pipping Justin Rose to victory.

But while the Spaniard remains in with a chance of winning back to back green jackets, all eyes will be on Tiger Woods making his return to the course.

The four-time champion, 42, had back surgery under a year ago but is among an 87-strong field at the 82nd Masters.

“I thought prior to surgery, I’ll have a nice comfortable life but I’ll never swing a club like I used to,” he said.

“But all of a sudden my body and speed and timing are back.”

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Woods’ last green jacket came in 2005 with the last of his 14 majors coming at the US Open in 2008.

Fears over Woods’ recent injury troubles, that has seen him have surgery on his back, have been downplayed in the lead up to the tournament and the American is feeling confident in his ability.

“For some reason, I don’t have any pain,” he added. “Yes I’m much tighter and I have to work on strength in different ways but I’m hitting speeds I hit in my prime.

“We have worked on what body parts to get stronger, what body parts need to be more limber, and I feel fantastic. It’s just a matter of now going out there and competing and playing and posting numbers.

“The swing numbers are still up and that part is exciting because if I can maintain this I can play for a long time.”

And it seems his fellow golfers are all delighted to have Woods back competing on the biggest stage.

“I think when it comes to Tiger and the Tiger mania that comes with it, everyone wants to see him win and play the way he did before,” said Justin Day.

“Everyone’s chomping at the bit for him to get here and see how he’s moving. But that’s fine with me. I can just focus on what I need to do to try and win this tournament. Tiger’s Tiger, but I think the biggest thing for me is I can’t beat myself.

“On my good day I’ve got a good chance of beating him. I honestly believe that. I think that there’s 10, 20 other guys out there that honestly believe they can beat Tiger as well.

“You can’t come into an event thinking that, well, Tiger’s going to win, I’m going to play for second place. You got to believe in yourself and understand that you put the calculated preparation into it and try and execute the game plan.”