McDowell first off for Ireland

Graeme McDowell will get Ireland’s challenge at the 2014 Masters up and running tomorrow at Augusta National when he tees off in the opening round of the year’s first major championship at 2.35pm Irish time.

The Portrush man, ranked 14th in the world and in upbeat mood to add to his major tally following his US Open victory at Pebble Beach in 2010, has been paired with American duo Rickie Fowler and the in-form Jimmy Walker, who will make his Masters debut.

Tournament favourite Rory McIlroy, bidding for a first Green Jacket at the sixth attempt, has been grouped with two American stars on the rise in Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed, that trio teeing off at 3.52pm Irish time, while fellow Irishman Darren Clarke begins his 12th Masters and 500th European Tour event alongside Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher and American Nick Watney at 4.47pm Irish time.