Aaron Baddeley is flying Australia’s flag while Tiger Woods is stalking the leaders midway through the opening round of the Masters.

Baddeley posted a one-under par 71 to be the leading Australian, four shots back of leader Henrik Stenson.

Sweden’s Stenson is five-under par through 17 holes, holding a two shot lead over Scotland’s Paul Lawrie (69), England’s Lee Westwood (through seven) and American Jason Dufner (through eight).

Woods sits in a tie for fifth at two-under par through 15 holes.

John Senden is the lone Australian left on the course, currently even par through nine holes.

With seemingly perfect scoring conditions following overnight rains the Augusta National course gurus tried to guard against low scores by putting out tough pin placements.

The tactic worked against the Australian big guns with Geoff Ogilvy (74), Adam Scott (75) and Jason Day (76) all struggling in the opening round while amateur Bryden Macpherson also found the going tough on the way to a 77.

Baddeley fashioned a birdie on the second hole but bogeyed the sixth before a cracking three iron on the par five 13th allowed him to two-putt for birdie.

When he hit a wedge to almost gimme range on the 17th he converted to get to two-under but bogeyed the last to post his 71.

“They put some tough pins out there today,” Baddeley confirmed.

“That front side there really wasn’t many birdie opportunities at all.

“You want to shoot as low as you can, but 71 is a good start.

“I felt like I played well, I felt like I played better and better as the day went on, which I was pleased about.”

Day, in doubt before play with an ankle strain played through the pain despite the injury being too close to a tendon for a painkilling injection.

The 2011 runner-up will potentially need a second round similar to last year, when he posted an eight-under 64 to move into contention.