Rain clouds stayed away from Augusta long enough to see the first round of the 2013 Masters through to its conclusion, with 93 players turning in a total of 32 under-par rounds at a fairly benign Augusta National Golf Club.

After a bogey on the first hole, Australian Marc Leishman (click here to see what clubs he’s playing) made seven birdies and the rest pars for a 66. Co-leader Sergio Garcia shot the same score, his being bogey-free.

The last time Sergio played a perfect round at Augusta was in 2002. He will play his second round Friday morning, which after the predicted overnight rains should be an excellent opportunity to post an imposing number for the day’s later players.

Dustin Johnson ascended to 6-under par briefly on Thursday, but suffered a bogey on No. 17 and ultimately posted a 67 that included an eagle — the only one of the day — on the traditionally exciting par five No. 13. As one of professional golf’s longest hitters, his advantage off the tee should be amplified by the softer golf course he should face on Friday.

Six players are tied for fourth place after opening-round 68s: Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño, 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman, Matt Kuchar, Rickie Fowler, Englishman David Lynn (click here to see what clubs he’s playing) and the ageless Fred Couples.

Augusta National’s current “Old Man River,” Couples, is playing at 53 years old. The 1992 champion continued his amazing track record at the Masters and is well on his way to making his 27th cut in 29 years. But he and thousands of long-time golf fans would love to see him do much more than merely be present over the weekend. As has been the case throughout the last couple decades, Couples’ success will be determined by the state of his back, which has nagged at him for a long time.

Other notable players who shot under-par first rounds include Jim Furyk (69), 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson (69), Brandt Snedeker (70), Ernie Els (71), 2009 champion Angel Cabrera (71) and 2011 champion Charl Schwartzel.

And what of Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods? Don’t worry — they too are under par. Mickelson went out in 2-over but turned it around on the back nine to shoot 71. And Woods, the re-minted No. 1 golfer in the world, turned in a round of 70. That’s good news for him, because three of the four times Woods has won the Masters he has opened the tournament with a 70.

On the wrong side of par there was one main positive story, authored by the youngest player in the field and youngest player to ever play in the event, China’s Tianlang Guan (click here to see a list of the golfers Guan beat). A 20-foot birdie putt sealed an opening round of 73 alongside two-time champion Ben Crenshaw. Guan is the low amateur by three shots. If he holds onto that distinction — especially if he makes the cut — it will be one of the most impressive stories of the year in golf.

The second round of the 2013 Masters will pare the field down to the low 50 players and ties and anyone within 10 shots of the 36-hole lead.