Woods Favored As The Masters Golf Tournament Starts Today

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Tiger Woods has teed off at the Masters as the overwhelming favorite.

He has already won three times this year and reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the world rankings. Woods is playing Thursday in a group with Luke Donald and Scott Piercy on an overcast day at Augusta National.

About three hours before Woods teed off, the tournament began with ceremonial shots from three of golf's greatest players — 83-year-old Arnold Palmer, 77-year-old Gary Player and 73-year-old Jack Nicklaus.

Palmer was clearly pleased with his effort, which settled right in the middle of the fairway. He pumped his right fist as the crowd roared.