Paul Lawrie produced a thrilling opening round at the Masters to sit in the top five going into Friday’s second round.

Playing at Augusta National for the first time since 2004, the Scot scored two eagles on the back nine to sit fourth on the leaderboard.

This was the first time the 1999 Open champion had broken 70 on the course.

Lawrie, who has moved into the world’s top 50 in recent months, hit an eagle at the 510-yard 13^th hole before doing the same at the 15^th hole.

It is a remarkable turn around for 43-year-old who was sitting around 270 in the world just over a year ago.

He then birdied the 17^th before dropping a shot on the final hole.