Masters tees off in springtime again

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — The shortest championship reign in Masters history ends today when Dustin Johnson steps onto the first tee. And a repeat of Johnson’s record-shattering 20-under win is highly unlikely. Shifting last year’s tournament to November because of the pandemic resulted in softer-than-usual conditions at Augusta National that just about every golfer in the field pounced on. Conditions are very different this week, after warmer spring temperatures helped tournament officials restore the fairways and greens to their usual fast and firm conditions.