AUGUSTA — Defending champion Jordan Spieth began a strong defense of his Masters title with a 6-under par round of 33-33—66 Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club as he attempts to become the first back-to-back champion since Tiger Woods (2001-2002).

On a sunny but blustery day with wind whipping at around 20 mph, Spieth birdied Nos. 3, 6, 8, 10, 13 and 18 to take an early two-shot lead over Shane Lowry, who was 4-under after five holes with birdies on holes 2-5, and pre-tournament favorite Jason Day, who was 4-under after eight holes. Day was ranked No. 1 entering the tournament.

Englishman Paul Casey, playing in the same group with Spieth, shot a 3-under 69.

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Fulton DA Fani Willis (center) with Nathan J. Wade (right), the special prosecutor she hired to manage the Trump case and had a romantic relationship with, at a news conference announcing charges against President-elect Donald Trump and others in Atlanta, Aug. 14, 2023. Georgia’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, upheld an appeals court's decision to disqualify Willis from the election interference case against Trump and his allies. (Kenny Holston/New York Times)

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