Fog delay at Masters

Arnold Palmer acted as honorary starter for the US Masters again today – but after he had hit one shot and retired to the Augusta National clubhouse fog then prevented the tournament proper getting under way on time.

Ben Curtis and Shaun Micheel, winners of The Open and US PGA respectively in 2003, were the first two players called to the tee and were due to start their first rounds at 8am, but just before the appointed moment officials informed them there would be a delay and they went back to the practice putting green.

The fog had swept in 40 minutes earlier and it remained to be seen how long the action would be held up.

Ian Poulter was the first of the 20-strong European contingent in the draw. He was grouped with Mark O’Meara, Masters and Open champion 10 years ago, and American amateur Trip Kuehne at 8.22am, but was among those hanging around for conditions to improve.

Favourite Tiger Woods had been due to begin his bid for a fifth green jacket at 10.45am, just behind Padraig Harrington and just ahead of Justin Rose.

Palmer told reporters that he had hit his drive ``out of sight'' and with visibility around 200 yards at the time he was not exaggerating.

An hour after his shot the crowd were still waiting for the next one, but the sun was beginning to do its work and the early starters were preparing themselves for an announcement of a revised start time.

It proved to be a one-hour delay, which meant it was touch-and-go whether the last group - Lee Westwood was one of them - finished before darkness.

Curtis and Micheel hit good drives, but then pushed their approaches. With conditions fairly soft, though, they both saved their par fours.