Masters 2015: Jordan Spieth leads but Rory McIlroy in pursuit at Augusta

Jordan Spieth produced a stunning opening round of 64 to lead by three shots after day one at the Masters at Augusta.

The American set the pace through the first 18 holes on eight-under ahead of early leader Charlie Hoffman, Englishman Justin Rose, South Africa's Ernie Els and Jason Day of Australia who are tied for second on five-under.

"That was very special," said the 21-year-old "The greens were softer and a little slower than they will be the rest of the week which allowed me to fire shots into the greens. Last year I was tentative but this year I was a little more ready to fire at the pins, knowing I had receptive greens.

Pre-tournament favourite Rory McIlroy finished on one-under while Tiger Woods came through his first competitive round since February unscathed and is one-over through the first 18 holes.

"It really doesn't matter right now," the grand slam chasing world No.1 said. "I'm trying to be as patient as possible.

"It was a solid start. Anything under par today is a decent score. I just chipped away at it and got a couple of birdies on the back nine.

"I was nervous and excited teeing off. I have been wanting to get going for a while."

After Rose and Hoffman took an early clubhouse lead, Spieth produced six birdies in seven holes and though his missed out on a record-breaking opening round at August he made a birdie on the last to ensure his lead was extended.

Among those in his wake include Els, 45, who has never won the opening major of the year with Russell Henley and Sergio Garcia on four-under.

Rose, the 2013 US Open champion, who has a career best finish at Augusta of tied for eighth in 2012 said: "It was a nice start. I was in a good pairing, there was a nice buzz and that worked well for me.

Leaderboard: -7: Spieth, -5: Els, Hoffman, Rose, Day, -4: Garcia, Henley, -3: Palmer, Haas, Casey