Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus got the eagerly anticipated 84th Masters Tournament under way on Thursday morning but just 25 minutes after play began, inclement weather forced a delay of nearly three hours.
For the first time in its history the Masters is being held in November, having been moved from its traditional April slot on the schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Player and Nicklaus continued their role as honorary starters by each hitting a tee shot on the opening hole shortly before play started.
American Lucas Glover then got the tournament proper under way from the first tee at 07.10 local time - ten minutes later than scheduled - with 1988 winner Sandy Lyle teeing off from the tenth.
But at 07.35, play was suspended and did not get back under way until 10.20 - when the weather improved dramatically - with all tee times being delayed by three hours.
After playing his tee shot at around 06.55, Nicklaus said: "I was pleased it was dark because you couldn't see where my ball went!
"I think it's a nice tradition that we have here at Augusta. I remember when I first started they had Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod.
"And they've had starters ever since. With Arnold (Palmer), Gary and I doing it, it's been fun. We miss Arnold."
This morning Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player continued the Honorary Starter tradition that began in 1963. #themasters pic.twitter.com/sDC20f1avp
— The Masters (@TheMasters) November 12, 2020
Lee Elder, who was the first black player to compete in the Masters, will join Player and Nicklaus as an honorary starter for the 2021 tournament.
Player said: "I've got to really commend them on inviting Lee and taking that step.
"I think it's just the most wonderful thing. One of the most wonderful things I've seen."
Among Thursday's early starters are Spain's Jon Rahm and South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen, who began their challenge alongside 2020 U.S. Open Championship winner Bryson DeChambeau at the tenth tee at 10.33.
Last year's winner Tiger Woods then kicks off his title defence in the company of Open Champion Shane Lowry and U.S. Amateur Champion Andy Ogletree shortly after.
Rory McIlroy, who needs to win the Masters to complete the career grand slam, will start from the first tee in the afternoon alongside World Number One Dustin Johnson and Patrick Cantlay.
