Brooks Koepka shares the Masters lead alongside Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland ©Getty Images

American Brooks Koepka, Norway's Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm of Spain are in a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard after day one of the Masters.

Koepka, part of the rebel LIV Golf tour, birdied the 18th hole to claim his share of top spot as he looks for a fifth major title.

Rahm recovered from a double bogey on the first hole as he began his bid for a second major crown.

Hovland set the scene for his round with an eagle at the par-five second hole.

All three sit on seven-under-par to sit two shots in front of Australia's Jason Day and American Cameron Young.

There are 17 LIV Golf players left in the field as Kevin Na of South Korea withdrew in the middle of his opening round, citing illness.



The presence of the players from the Saudi Arabia-backed breakaway circuit has been a big talking point leading into the major at Augusta National.

Although the PGA Tour has banned players that joined the LIV Golf circuit, they are still entitled to play in the four majors.

Defending champion and pre-tournament favourite Scottie Scheffler was three shots back as the American entered a tie along with six other players.

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, who was the runner-up last year, did not have a great opening round as he was only able to produce a level-par 72, placing him seven shots behind the leaders.

Tiger Woods, a five-time Masters champion, struggled in his 25th appearance at the the famous event and carded a two-over 74.

The second of the four rounds is tomorrow but the tournament faces the threat of the weather, with rain forecast.