The 21-year-old finished as the joint runner-up to fellow American Bubba Watson last year, but began his pursuit of a first major in stunning fashion, racking up nine birdies in the 18-hole first round, to finish with an eight-under par 64.

Spieth’s hopes of winning a first green jacket are due to come under serious threat with three rounds of play still to take place before the tournament ends on Sunday (April 12).

Four-time major winner Ernie Els of South Africa earned an eagle on the 15th, as he made his way to a five-under par 67, to head a group of four men who lie in second after the opening day’s play.

Els is joined by 2013 US Open champion Justin Rose of England, 2011 Masters runner up Jason Day of Australia and America’s Charley Hoffman, who was in the first group onto the Augusta course today.

Sergio Garcia is a shot further back after the 35-year-old Spaniard enjoyed a positive start as he attempts to win his first major after several near misses and he is joined on the score by Russell Henley of the United States.

Watson has even more ground to make up on Spieth after ending the opening day of the tournament seven shots adrift of his fellow American on one-under par, as he seeks to win the title for the third time in four years, having won in 2012 and 2014.

World number one Rory McIlroy also lies on one-under par, having recorded two bogeys and three birdies in a solid opening round, as he attempts to complete a career grand slam.

The Northern Irishman’s group for the first two days had mixed days, as America’s Phil Mickelson, a three-time winner at Augusta, lying on two-under par, while his compatriot Ryan Moore entered the clubhouse two-over.

Former world number one Tiger Woods’ is well placed to make the cut following a one-over par round on his comeback after a two month break, while another home favourite Tom Watson became the oldest player in Masters history to record a round under par, after the 65-year-old finished one-under.

Spieth will attempt to extend his advantage when he commences his second round at 9.57am ET, alongside fellow American Billy Horschel and world number two Henrik Stenson of Sweden.

McIlroy and Mickelson will continue to receive a vast amount of attention as they feature in the penultimate group to head onto the course on the second day, beginning their round at 1.48pm ET.