Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy attract big following for Masters practice round - in pictures

'Patrons' return to Augusta National for the first golf major of the season

Defending Masters champion Dustin Johnson, right, and Rory McIlroy walk the fourth fairway during their practice round for the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. AP

Dustin Johnson hits his tee shot on the first hole during a practice round ahead of the Masters as hundreds of fans watch on. Reuters

The gallery of patrons follows defending champion Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy down the third fairway during their practice round for the Masters. AP

Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy walk on the sixth hole during a practice round prior to the Masters at Augusta National. AFP

Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy walk on the seventh hole during a practice round prior to the Masters. AFP

Cam Smith (L) and Adam Scott (R) look for an errant ball in a tributary of Rae's Creek at the thirteenth green during a practice round for the 2021 Masters. EPA

Paul Casey hits out of the sand on the seventh hole during a practice round at the 2021 Masters. EPA

Tommy Fleetwood on the 12th hole during a practice round for the 2021 Masters. EPA

Brooks Koepka on the 13th green during a practice round for the 2021 Masters. EPA

Lee Westwood on the 12th hole during a practice round for the 2021 Masters . EPA

Sergio Garcia and Carlos Ortiz on the 12th green during a practice round for the 2021 Masters. EPA

Vijay Singh at the 13th green during a practice round for the 2021 Masters. EPA

Hideki Matsuyama tees off on the fourth hole during a practice round at the 2021 Masters. EPA

Matt Wallace plays a shot on the 13th hole during a practice round prior to the Masters. AFP

Rory McIlroy and his caddie Harry Diamond walk across the Nelson Bridge on the 13th hole during a practice round prior to the Masters. AFP

Scottie Scheffler talks with his caddie on the 13th hole during a practice round prior to the Masters. AFP

Among the many wonderful visuals associated with Augusta National Golf Club during the week of the US Masters – the picture perfect course, the signature azaleas, the world class golfers – it is the presence of fans that will be the most welcome sight this year.

The 2020 Masters, rescheduled for November in response to the pandemic, was held behind closed doors, so Dustin Johnson's masterclass could only be viewed from a distance.

But supporters – or "patrons" as they are known at the Masters – were out in force during Monday's practice rounds as many of the competitors took the chance to familiarise themselves with one of the world's most famous tracks.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, and in the absence of Tiger Woods, it was defending champion Johnson and playing partner Rory McIlroy who generated the biggest following around Augusta National on Monday.

Other players out on the course for practice rounds included four-time major winner Brooks Koepka, who is set to play his first tournament since knee surgery three weeks ago.

Former Masters champion Sergio Garcia, Race to Dubai holder Lee Westwood, and two-time Abu Dhabi winner Tommy Fleetwood also took part in practice rounds on Monday.

For some of the best photos from the practice rounds at Augusta National, check out the photo gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device simply swipe.