2015 Masters Leaderboard: Real-Time Updates for Augusta's Leaders on Friday | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

When I was 21 years old, my greatest sporting accomplishment might have been leading the Kent State Golden Flashes to a national championship on NCAA Football 12. Jordan Spieth, meanwhile, holds a three-stroke lead after the first round of the 2015 Masters.

The 21-year-old Dallas native shot a cool eight-under through the first 18 holes at Augusta. Charley Hoffman, Justin Rose, Ernie Els and Jason Day were all tied at five under heading into Day 2. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Spieth is the youngest golfer to lead the tournament through Day 1:

ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo

Jordan Spieth: the youngest 18-hole leader in Masters history, surpassing Rory McIlroy (2011).

The Masters provided a hole-by-hole look at how Spieth performed Thursday:

Masters Tournament @TheMasters

Jordan Spieth birdies No. 18 (his ninth birdie of the day) to shoot 64 in the first round. #themasters

Here's a look at where the leaderboard currently stands:

Spieth's strong first round shouldn't come as a huge shock. He burst onto the scene at last year's Masters, finishing in a tie with Jonas Blixt for second. His play this year also dispelled the notion that he was a one-year wonder.

Justin Ray of Golf Channel put into perspective just how impressive Spieth has been:

Justin Ray @JustinRayGC

Notable players in 1st 5 rounds as a pro at Masters: Woods -19 Spieth -13 Mickelson -3 Nicklaus +1 Palmer +6 Player +11

"I wanted to get off to a good start. Sometimes that is the hardest part of this tournament," he said after his round, per Ewan Murray of The Guardian. "I managed to do that then a few things went my way. I'm excited by the start. I played well here last year but never broke 70. Eight under par at Augusta National is nothing to complain about."

Many golf fans, especially those in the United States, will be watching Spieth's second round with rapt attention.

Another golfer who will command a lot of attention is Rory McIlroy. The 25-year-old shot a somewhat unimpressive one-under in the first round. A one-under 71 is right about in line with his first-round record at the course, as Golf Central noted:

Golf Central @GolfCentral

Here’s a look at how Rory McIlroy has performed in the opening round and how he's finished. #TheMasters

By itself, the score isn't bad, but when you put things in perspective, there are eight strokes between McIlroy and Spieth.

The Masters is the lone major tournament missing on McIlroy's resume, and if the Northern Irishman is truly to be remembered among the greats of the game, he'll need a green jacket in his closet.

The biggest hurdle for McIlroy won't be the second round; it'll be the weekend. Nobody will forget his dreadful third and fourth rounds in 2012 or his third-round collapse in 2013.

Of course, there are plenty of other compelling golfers to follow in the coming days. Sergio Garcia is only four shots back. Maybe Day will get his first green jacket after nearly tasting success in 2011 and 2013. Perhaps Dustin Johnson will do the impossible and win the Masters despite never having placed higher than 13th in his previous five tries.

Golf followers generally don't need any prodding to watch the Masters, but this year's tournament is giving them a lot of additional reasons to do so.