Image source, Getty Images

Retaining his title may look a long way off already, but Danny Willett cooled hopes of a follow-up victory 12 months after his Augusta moment. 

The 29-year-old has dropped from ninth to 17th in the world since and states that while he has a spring in his step since returning to the scene of his maiden major win, he does not expect his game to spring back into shape.

"I think achieving what I achieved last year and performing under the pressure that I did on Sunday, if you don't do that every time you get a bit annoyed," he said before the tournament.

Only three men have defended the Masters tile, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.  

Defending champion Danny Willett is up and running.

But he's having a bit of a nightmare early on after putting his tee shot into the trees.

There's no way out with his second, just 39 yards closer to the pin as he hacks around in the undergrowth.

Image source, Getty Images

American Russell Henley is the first clubhouse leader. He went out early doors with compatriot Daniel Summerhays in a two-ball.

Henley, who qualified for the Masters by winning last week's Houston Open, has carried his confidence with him. 

A par on the 18th sees him post a one-under 71 and with high winds forecast for later today, just how good will that be?

While the early leaders are still strolling around the manicured fairways, a couple of fellas are already back in the clubhouse...

-4 Thomas Pieters (after 9 holes)

-2 Billy Hurley (14)

-1 Phil Mickelson (6), Rickie Fowler (8)

Selected others: E Jordan Spieth (6), Justin Rose (4)

The rest of the tee-off times  can be found here , or find out more about the  BBC's coverage here.

Image source, Getty Images

I bet Big Phil asked for an extra Yorkshire pud (or two) on Tuesday night.

He's started playing like a pudding. After rising to the top with an eagle on 2 and a birdie on 4, he has picked out two bogeys at 5 and 6.

He's gone flat.

There are a few former champions out on the course right now in Adam Scott, Sandy Lyle and Jordan Spieth.

They would have all been sat in the clubhouse at Augusta National enjoying Danny Willett's Champions Dinner menu on Tuesday, chomping down on roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and apple crumble.

But do you know what they choose for their Champions Dinner menus?

Well we have created a special quiz on the most famous golfing dinners. Have a go on it here.

If Danny Willett plays as well as he chooses a Champions' Dinner menu then he'll be just fine this week.

Roast beef, Yorkshire puds, Hendo's Relish. Beautiful.

And if you're feeling peckish as we approach tea-time...

"And on the tee, the defending champion, from England...Danny Willett!"

The man who nearly did not play at Augusta last year, never mind win the thing, is back.

A rapturous reception for the Englishman. Don't let them down Danny. Let's have a ripper down the middle.

A few of you might have stuck a few quid on Hideki Matsuyama. 

The Japanese world number four ended 2016 like a high-speed Shinkansen bullet train, claiming four victories in five tournaments and finishing second in the other.

He has been a little slower leaving the Augusta platform, starting off with six pars before having a 'mare on 7.

Tee shot left, approach shot right, a strange chip to the front of the green, and then three putts. Double bogey and a nod of recognition from club golfers around the world.

Do you reckon Matt Fitzpatrick text Spieth this morning to ask what he was wearing? On this evidence clearly not.

Spieth (E) and Fitzpatrick (+1) are going round together today with Martin Kaymer (-1). Wonder if Kaymer got the memo.

Image source, EPA

Uh oh. Not great news for a couple of past champions. Zach Johnson marks the 10th anniversary of his Augusta win by sticking his approach on 11 into the drink. 

Could be worse. He could be the man who he squeezed into the Green Jacket in 2008. Trevor Immelman props up the leaderboard. The South African is six over after 14.

Brian Wacker from Golf Digest seems confident of a DJ spinning a tune or two later...

Flying the flag for the Brits abroad, it's Andy Sullivan on one under through eight.

Also enjoying his round in the Augusta sun (it must be coming soon...) is Sandy Lyle , the 58-year-old former champion is heading into Amen Corner at evens after cancelling out that early birdie with a dropped shot on the seventh.

Justin Rose also has an early birdie and a bogey to his name as he sits on level par through three.

Tommy Fleetwood is one over, as are Paul Casey , Matthew Fitzpatrick and Ross Fisher .

At the other end of the leaderboard, English amateur Scott Gregory has steadied his ship and even grabbed a birdie at the 10th to pull him back to four over par - he triple-bogeyed the first.

Hang on...we have a gatecrasher! American James Hahn is hot on the tails of Messrs Pieters and Mickelson after dashing out of the blocks quicker than Usain Bolt.

Two holes, two birdies. Twit twoo.

-4: Thomas Pieters (after 8 holes)

-3: Phil Mickelson (4)

-2: Rickie Fowler (6)

Selected others: E: Jordan Spieth (5), Justin Rose (3)

The rest of the tee-off times  can be found here , or find out more about the  BBC's coverage here.

Image source, Reuters

Smooth as Belgian chocolate. Thomas Pieters regains the outright lead with a birdie on the par-five 8th.

A 300-yard plus drive sets him up nicely, a hefty second shot opening up the green. A deft knock of the wedge leaves him with a tiddler of a birdie putt...which he sinks.

Easy this Augusta lark, isn't it?

So what of Jason Day? The Australian has had a tough time recently as his mother battles cancer. Understandably golf has taken a backseat. 

Can he use that as inspiration to focus his mind? Or will the emotional stress become too much?

The world number two made a steady start with two opening pars, but has just dropped a shot on the 350-yard, par-four 4th.

Turn your cap the right way round and run at your peril.

There may be one or two things you need to know before you visit Augusta. The rules are stiffer than a metal club shaft and quirkier than Ian Poulter's dress sense.

Good to see Phil Mickelson rocking out the all-black look. Part Milk Tray Man, part undertaker.

He would never be reprimanded for breaking the Augusta rules...