Tiger Woods was playing for the first time on Thursday since a November night car wreck led to revelations of numerous extramarital affairs.
A thunderstorm could get in the way when he tees off in the next-to-last group. The forecast called for afternoon rain and wind to sweep over Augusta.
Officials at Augusta National insisted that no one player - not even when it's the world's best embroiled in a scandal - would overshadow their tournament. And for a few moments, at least, that was the case as Jack Nicklaus joined Arnold Palmer at the first tee.
“He dominated the Masters like no one before or since,” club chairman Billy Payne said. “Please join me in welcoming back, Mr. Jack Nicklaus.” “Keep your eye on the ball,” Palmer cracked as the Golden Bear went through a couple of practice swings.
The 70-year-old Nicklaus, a record six-time champion who last played at the Masters in 2005, agreed to return this year to hit the opening shots with Palmer. They both knocked it down the right side, just off the fairway. Two security guards hustled out to pick up the balls.
“I hit a rookie tee shot,” Nicklaus said with a smile.
“I didn't put my contacts in, so I had no idea where it went. As long as I didn't hear it land, it's OK.” Tom Watson, who nearly became the oldest major champion at last year's British Open, got off to a strong start on a course where he hasn't made the cut since 2002. The 60-year-old birdied two of the first three holes and trailed only early leader Steve Marino, who was at 3 under.
Another elder statesman, 52-year-old Bernhard Langer, made the turn with a 3-under 33, but fell back with bogeys at 10 and 11.
Woods was scheduled to tee off with K.J. Choi and Matt Kuchar at 1:42 p.m. EDT (1742 GMT) in what should be one of the most scrutinized opening rounds in golf history - not a day for winning the tournament, but surely a chance for Woods to show he's still an intimidating presence on the course, if not the same man off it.
“The fact that I haven't really played at all, that's a little bit concerning,” Woods said early in the week.
“I'm hoping I get my feel back quickly, my feel for the game, my feel for shots, feel more how my body is reacting and what my distances are going to be. I hope I get that back, you know, relatively quickly. Maybe, hopefully, the first hole. But if not, please hope it's the second hole.”
