Palmer tees off US Masters

Arnold Palmer received another huge ovation after hitting the ceremonial first shot of the 2007 US Masters at Augusta.

Although it was not a drive to be particularly proud of, hooked left and bouncing into the rough, the 77-year-old had no need to worry about it.

"I didn't make a bogey," he said after leaving the ball where it lay and heading back to the clubhouse.

After a moment of silence in memory of Byron Nelson, a former honorary starter who died last September, Augusta National chairman Billy Payne introduced Palmer to the crowd lining the first fairway.

"Now on the tee at Augusta National, where he belongs, to the thrill and delights of his millions of fans, four-time Masters champion Arnold Palmer," said Payne.

"Arnie, would you do us the honour of beginning our 2007 tournament?"

And after Palmer's shot, Payne added: "The 2007 Masters has now officially begun."