Masters begins with ceremonial start
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -- Byron Nelson teed off for the last time at the Masters Thursday, joining with Sam Snead for the ceremonial start at Augusta National.
The 89-year-old Nelson, who walks with a cane because of an ailing left hip, decided to give up his duties as an honorary starter after this year. A two-time winner, he last played the event in 1966.
"OK, little ball," Nelson said as he lined up his shot, surrounded by fans at the first tee box. "One more time."
Nelson, who first played the Masters in 1935, faded his shot about 150 yards down the right side of the fairway while the gallery roared.
"Sure, I was still nervous," he said. "I was worried if I would even get it off the ground."
The 88-year-old Snead followed with an even longer shot, then said he was sorry to lose another honorary playing partner. Gene Sarazen died after the 1999 tournament.