Bradley counters bad start with a 71

AUGUSTA, GA. -- Welcome to the Masters, Keegan Bradley. That is what the first green seemed to be saying to the St. John's graduate and 2011 PGA Champion. He was farther from the hole after his first putt than he had been before it, and made double-bogey six.

"I think everybody is a little nervous. I am a major champion, but it's my first Masters," he said. "It was a really fun atmosphere out there. It was everything I expected."

He had poise and patience, going the next 16 holes without a bogey, and finishing 1-under 71, in solid position. His father Mark, a club pro in Jackson, Wyoming, said, "I noticed that he was very comfortable. If he's standing on turf, in a pair of golf shoes, he is where he's supposed to be. He's in his element, whether it's Augusta or anyplace else."

Smiling with an 81

Randy Lewis, a 54-year-old financial adviser from Alma, Michigan, said he had his "all-time favorite 81." The U.S. Mid-Amateur champion made his Masters debut with a smile that he said will last even longer than all the Masters memorabilia he his bought, which is saying something. "I spent well over $1700," he said. "I'm going to have enough gear to last me 10 years."

Phil watches legends

Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player all were gratified that Phil Mickelson showed up to watch the three honorary starters hit the ceremonial tee shots at 7:40 a.m. -- more than six hours before Mickelson's tee time.

Player recalled having been a young Masters participant and watching Jock Hutchison as honorary starter. Nicklaus added his memory of having witnessed the tradition. "Mine was a long time ago," he said. "I saw Arnold Palmer hit one."