9 memorable moments from an electric opening round at The Masters

Arguably the most hyped Masters in the history of the event certainly lived up to its billing with an incredible first round of action on Thursday.

There was a buzz in the air from the ceremonial tee ball first thing in the morning until the final group rolled in their putts on the 18th hole.

Here's nine of the most memorable moments from the opening round:

Spieth torches back nine with epic birdie-binge

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Jordan Spieth has now played 17 career rounds at Augusta National and has held the lead a whopping nine times at the completion of each. To put that in perspective, Tiger Woods has played 79 career rounds, winning four green jackets, and has led the same amount of times as the 2015 champion. Spieth came to the 13th hole sitting at 2-under-par for the day before unleashing a barrage on the famed back nine, birdieing five holes in a row to finish with a 6-under-par 66 and hold a two-stroke advantage.

Sergio posts a 13 after rinsing 5 balls in a row

Sergio Garcia had the dreaded "Tin Cup" moment on Thursday at the 15th hole, as the defending champion found the water in front of the green with a stunning five consecutive shots. He would eventually finish with a 13 on the par-5, tying the all-time Masters record for worst score on a hole. The 38-year-old would post a 9-over 81 on the day, the worst score by a defending champion in the illustrious history of the event.

Finau dislocating ankle and shooting 68

It seemed unlikely that Tony Finau would be able to walk, let alone play golf, after dislocating his ankle in celebration of a hole-in-one during Wednesday's par-3 tournament. Despite suffering the injury, Finau was able to play on Thursday, and put on an incredible performance with a 4-under-par 68.

Mickelson right-handed recovery

A Phil Mickelson round of golf is never boring, and Thursday's opening 18 at The Masters was no exception. The three-time champion wowed the crowd with a birdie at the opening hole before executing a miraculous right-handed recovery shot on the second. The shot was impressive on its own, but when you factor in that Mickelson plays golf left-handed, it's even more stunning. Mickelson would finish the day with a 2-under 70, and find time during the round to take a break and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

Jason Day beer ball

Jason Day's tee ball off the first found an interesting resting place; a patron in the rough's beer cup. In order to take a suitable drop, Day needed to retrieve the ball out of the cup. In an effort to make sure no beer was lost in the transfer, the patron quickly chugged the beer and tipped the empty cup over to drop the ball into Day's hands.

Amateur Doug Ghim makes two eagles on back nine

Just making The Masters as an amateur is reason enough to celebrate, but Doug Ghim is going home with some additional memories thanks to a couple of incredible shots. After posting an eagle on the par-5 13th, Ghim ended his round with a bang after shooting the sixth eagle ever on the par-4 18th.

Tiger birdies No. 3

In the grand scheme of things, Woods' birdie on the third hole probably won't mean much, but seeing the legend back in red numbers at Augusta was a pretty awesome sight. It was the 42-year-old's first birdie at The Masters since he carded a four on the par-5 15th during the final round in 2015.

Fred Couples' hole-out

The coolest man at The Masters every year just keeps rolling, as Fred Couples once again sits in contention at even-par. The 59-year-old brought the patrons to their feet on the iconic 12th hole, splashing out of the bunker and into the cup for the improbable birdie.

Ted Potter Jr.'s wild scorecard

A first-round score of 73 may not sound that exciting, but the way Ted Potter Jr. achieved the 1-over-par total was absolutely wild. After a double-bogey on the par-4 11th, Potter sat 5-over on his round, well back of the leaders. The veteran pro would then catch fire, birdieing five of his next six holes to get back to even. A bogey on the 18th would ensure his score of 73, with only two pars on the entire back nine.