Poulter charges into Masters hunt but Rose, Casey horrid

Top-ranked Justin Rose and in-form Paul Casey endured nightmare starts Thursday at the Masters while Ian Poulter, who last won a year ago, championed England's cause at Augusta National.

Rose, in his first round since retaking the world number one spot from American Dustin Johnson on Monday, stumbled to a three-over par 75, his second-worst start in 14 Masters appearance.

"Drove it left the first few holes, hit a couple good putts early that didn't fall, and, yeah, from that point there's nothing really felt easy, I suppose," Rose said.

"Never really found my rhythm." And Casey, who defended his US PGA Valspar Championship crown last month, stood next to last in the field of 87 on 81, with double bogeys at the fifth and 18th holes in a horrow show, his worst of 43 career Masters rounds.

Poulter birdied three of the last six holes to fire a four-under par 68 and share fourth with second-ranked Johnson after 18 holes at the year's first major event.

"My whole game was together, from the first hole to the 18th hole," Poulter said.

"I'm very happy with today's work. It's a great start to a long week."