AUGUSTA, Ga. – Chattanooga Mocs senior Steven Fox opened the 77th Masters with a 4-over par round of 76 on Thursday. He played his first nine holes at even par, turning at 36, before shooting 40 on the back nine.

He is tied for 70th with playing partner Ian Poulter, Ben Curtis, Paul Lawrie, Hunter Mahan, Ted Potter Jr., Kevin Streelman, Robert Garrigus, Carl Pettersson, Martin Laird and Branden Grace. His other group member Thursday, 2012 Champ Bubba Watson, shot 75.

Marc Leishman and Sergio Garcia lead at 6-under 66. Dustin Johnson is third, a stroke back at 67, while six are tied for fourth at 68, minus-4, headlined by former champion Fred Couples.

Fox’s card included one birdie, 12 pars and five bogeys. He hit four of 14 fairways, nine of 18 greens and had 31 putts.